Former Clemson Tigers Star Linebackers Recognized for Historic Freshman Season
In the world of college football, certain names become synonymous with excellence, determination, and dominance. Among those names, a few stand out not just for their remarkable careers but also for the historic seasons that marked the beginning of their collegiate journeys. One such example is the Clemson Tigers’ linebacker core, specifically a group of freshmen who, in a spectacular fashion, set the tone for what would become a storied legacy in the program’s rich history.
This recognition focuses on two standout former Clemson linebackers whose freshman seasons left an indelible mark on the Clemson football program and the college football world at large. As the 2024 season came to a close, the careers of these players—whose impact was felt from the very first game—were revisited with admiration for their remarkable feats.
The Rise of the Linebackers
Clemson University has long been known for producing top-tier talent in both offensive and defensive positions. Among the most respected positions in football, linebackers are expected to be versatile players, able to read offenses, rush the passer, stop the run, and cover pass catchers in space. At Clemson, this position has consistently been a stronghold, with past standouts like James Skalski, Ben Boulware, and others laying the foundation for future generations.
However, it was during the 2020 season that a new crop of linebackers emerged, showcasing their skills early and often. This group of freshmen would go on to carve out a path that would make them legends in their own right. Their performances were nothing short of exceptional, and they helped cement Clemson’s status as one of the premier football programs in the nation.
Key Players in Focus
The two linebackers being recognized for their exceptional freshman seasons both entered the program with high expectations, but they exceeded all of them. These players, whose names would soon echo throughout Clemson’s football history, stood out in numerous ways on the field.
1. Trenton Simpson
The first player to highlight is Trenton Simpson, a freshman who quickly became a cornerstone of the Clemson defense. After arriving in 2020, Simpson showcased his versatility and athleticism, quickly earning a starting spot in the linebacker corps. His speed and ability to cover ground made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Simpson’s natural instincts as a playmaker were evident from his first appearance on the field.
Simpson’s performance during his freshman season was spectacular. He amassed over 80 tackles, with a number of them being critical stops in key games. His ability to be everywhere on the field—whether it was dropping into coverage, blitzing the quarterback, or setting the edge against the run—earned him accolades across the country. In a game against Miami, Simpson was pivotal in a dominant defensive performance, showcasing his ability to force turnovers and disrupt the rhythm of the opposing offense.
Simpson’s potential seemed limitless as he demonstrated maturity beyond his years. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ made him one of the most exciting young talents in college football. By the end of his freshman season, Simpson had not only solidified his place in Clemson’s defense but had also established himself as one of the top linebacker prospects for the future.
2. Barrett Carter
Another linebacker who made waves in his freshman year was Barrett Carter. Known for his exceptional athleticism and work ethic, Carter quickly adjusted to the fast-paced nature of college football and became a key component of Clemson’s defensive scheme. His initial performance in the spring game had already turned heads, but it was his regular-season debut that truly solidified his status as one of the nation’s top young linebackers.
What set Carter apart was his ability to be a true sideline-to-sideline player. With a rare combination of size and speed, Carter possessed the rare ability to take on blockers, chase down running backs, and cover tight ends or wide receivers in the passing game. In several critical moments throughout the season, Carter’s ability to read plays and make crucial tackles earned him a reputation as one of the most reliable players on defense.
Perhaps Carter’s most impressive showing came in a late-season showdown against Notre Dame, where he consistently disrupted the Irish’s offense and made a series of game-changing plays. By the end of his freshman season, Carter had recorded more than 70 tackles, including multiple tackles for loss and a pair of sacks.
Much like Simpson, Barrett Carter demonstrated the rare blend of athleticism and intelligence that made him a key piece of Clemson’s future defensive plans. His leadership qualities also stood out, as he quickly became a vocal leader in the locker room despite being a freshman.
The Historic Freshman Season
The 2020 season was remarkable not just because of the raw talent exhibited by Simpson and Carter but also due to the broader context of the season itself. College football was dealing with the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which altered schedules and fan attendance. With limited practice time and few opportunities for traditional in-person development, the pressure on freshmen to perform at an elite level was greater than ever.
For these two linebackers, however, the adversity proved to be an opportunity. With the Tigers dealing with key injuries and COVID-related absences on the roster, both Simpson and Carter were thrust into starting roles earlier than expected. Despite the challenges, both linebackers thrived, showing resilience and poise well beyond their years. They were instrumental in Clemson’s continued success that year, helping the Tigers finish with a top-10 ranking despite the many obstacles that came with the pandemic.
Clemson’s defense, led by these two freshmen, was not just effective; it was transformative. The duo helped Clemson’s defense maintain its reputation as one of the toughest units in the country. Their contributions were vital in numerous close games, and it was clear that they had become integral parts of the team’s defensive identity.
The Recognition and Legacy
As the 2024 season came to a close, the impact of Simpson and Carter on Clemson’s defense could no longer be overlooked. Their historic freshman seasons had set the stage for even greater accomplishments down the road. By the end of their careers, both players had amassed numerous awards, including All-ACC selections, national honors, and even consideration for professional football.
The legacy of these two linebackers goes beyond statistics. Their leadership on and off the field helped shape the culture of Clemson football, contributing to the team’s continued success in the national spotlight. Both players are remembered not only for their individual talents but also for their ability to inspire their teammates and elevate the entire program.
As Clemson continues to recruit and develop young talent, the examples set by Trenton Simpson and Barrett Carter will continue to be cited as the standard for future linebackers in the program. These two young stars helped define a new era of Clemson football, and their historic freshman seasons will always be remembered as the beginning of something truly special.
