CLEMSON,SC — Clemson defensive coordinator Tom Allen already knows what linebacker Sammy Brown brings between the lines.
“Everybody knows he’s a tremendous player,” Allen said.
Brown burst onto the scene as one of the Tigers’ top defensive playmakers last season, using his speed, physicality and instincts to establish himself as one of the ACC’s rising stars. But heading into the 2026 season, Allen believes Brown’s biggest growth opportunity has little to do with tackles or sacks.
Instead, it’s about becoming the voice of Clemson’s defense.
“My challenge to him has been the verbal leadership piece,” Allen said.
Allen acknowledged that leadership doesn’t come naturally for every player, particularly those who prefer to lead by example.
“Sometimes that’s a little uncomfortable, even just knowing, ‘When do I insert myself and when do I not?'”
Over the course of spring practice and summer workouts, Allen has watched Brown become increasingly comfortable taking command of the linebacker room and the defense as a whole.
“He’s in tremendous shape right now and is doing a phenomenal job leading.”
That responsibility becomes even more important during the summer months. NCAA rules prohibit coaches from overseeing many offseason activities, leaving veteran players in charge of organizing workouts, leading meetings and holding teammates accountable.
Allen said Brown has embraced that role.
“You expect a guy like that to run meetings now instead of just be a participant.”
Brown’s development as a leader also appears to be fueled by last season’s finish. Clemson’s defense showed flashes of dominance in 2025 but struggled with consistency against top competition, something Allen believes has motivated Brown throughout the offseason.
“He feels it. He knows that he wants this season to be different. I think he took it personal, and I love that about him.”
Brown’s production already gives Clemson plenty of confidence entering the season. As a freshman in 2025, he finished among the team’s leading tacklers while recording double-digit tackles for loss, multiple sacks and earning Freshman All-America honors. His combination of sideline-to-sideline speed and pass-rushing ability makes him one of the most versatile linebackers in the ACC entering 2026.
Clemson’s linebacker room remains the foundation
Allen has built some of the nation’s top defenses throughout his coaching career, and one belief has never changed.
“Never had a great defense without great linebackers,” he said.
That philosophy continues to define Clemson’s defense heading into the new season.
Allen said veterans Kobe McCloud and Jeremiah Alexander have also separated themselves during the offseason while continuing to push the rest of the room.
Rather than settling into starting roles, the group has embraced internal competition.
“There’s a lot of competition at that position. And that’s a good thing. It makes all of us better.”
The Tigers return one of the ACC’s deepest linebacker groups, combining experienced veterans with highly touted young talent. That depth gives Allen flexibility in multiple defensive packages while ensuring competition remains high throughout preseason camp.
For Allen, however, talent alone isn’t enough. The confidence required to make split-second decisions on the field comes from preparation long before kickoff.
“You only can have that when your preparation is at an elite level and you have absolutely no doubt that you’re right when you make a check and adjustment.”
With Brown emerging as both one of Clemson’s top defenders and one of its primary leaders, Allen believes the linebacker room is positioned to remain the heartbeat of the Tigers’ defense. If Brown’s offseason growth carries into the fall, Clemson could once again field one of the ACC’s most complete defensive units.
We’ll have more coverage throughout the week as ACC Media Day for Clemson is today.
