Clemson Football: Way-too-Early 2022 Depth Chart Projection

Linebacker

Starting Will Linebacker: Barrett Carter

Backup: LaVonta Bentley

Starting Mike Linebacker: Jeremiah Trotter Jr

Backup: Keith Maguire

Starting Sam Linebacker: Trenton Simpson

Backup: Tyler Venables

This is a position where Clemson is going to lose some veteran leadership, but they have plenty of talent at the position. James Skalski has been a mainstay for the Tigers for several seasons and was a great leader and locker room presence. He will be missed but can be replaced. Another guy that produced a lot for the Tigers over several seasons was Baylon Spector and he is gone as well.

Barrett Carter was a five-star recruit in 2021 and he is ready to be a breakout star for the Tigers. Carter has speed and can move from sideline to sideline with ease. He also has the ability to be excellent in coverage.

Stepping in to replace Skalski is going to be Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Trotter did not make much of an impact last season, but he is a veteran of the program and should fill in nicely in the middle of the Clemson defense. Trenton Simpson is the leading returning tackler and he will be in the same hybrid position he was last season, functioning as a linebacker and nickel player.