FALL CAMP: Trenton Simpson Update
By: Paul Strelow
Clemson’s preseason marches on as preparations continue toward next week’s season opener at Wake Forest.
In this feature, Tigerillustrated.com divulges the latest developments with specific players as they seek to solidify spots on the coaching staff’s internal depth chart and game plan.
TRENTON SIMPSON
Height: 6-2
Weight: 225
Year: Freshman
Position: Linebacker
WHAT WE ARE HEARING
Discussion about a freshman Clemson linebacker always begins with a version of this disclaimer, supported by ample precedent: It takes awhile to learn the wide range of responsibilities the position demands in a Brent Venables defense. Not only do you have to be able to know where to go with a playbook that features numerous models of the kitchen sink, you’ve also got to be able to make sight adjustments, quickly process and communicate them to the rest of the defense. Oh, and then be able to go make the play.
Five-star true freshman linebacker Trenton Simpson committed on the spot last winter upon receiving a Clemson offer. (Clemson Athletics)
Thus it’s usually been wisest to temper expecting a newcomer to contribute immediately.
What you can decipher out of the gate, though, is a sense for where the player stacks up athletically and physically against the college big boys.
Simpson has flashed, so to speak, more than your typical Clemson freshman linebacker.
FOCAL POINTS
While a five-star recruit, Simpson’s dossier was built off of his speed, range and productivity for a prospect with his measureables. He was used primarily as a running back at Charlotte (N.C.) Mallard Creek and didn’t start playing defense as a senior until the third game of the season.
You aren’t credited with 18 sacks and 45 tackles for loss without showing instincts and acumen. But still, Simpson is being molded into a linebacker.
The footwork, the stances, the pad level – all the technical aspects that come with the position, Simpson is having to make up ground on in comparison to the Tigers’ other two freshmen linebackers.
So there’s just a lot to sort out at this stage in his development, especially as you mentally pair what to do with how to do it.
OUR SEASON OUTLOOK FOR SIMPSON
It’s redshirt sophomore Mike Jones’ time at strong-side linebacker as the next guy in line following Isaiah Simmons. Health withstanding, our bet is that the next snaps when Jones is off the field go to situational substitutes for different nickel and dime package situations – e.g., replacing Jones with a third defensive back for coverage purposes.
A hodgepodge of players from various positions have all worked the SAM/nickel position during the preseason.
In our eyes, Simpson is being groomed as the next heir apparent to the full role previously occupied by Simmons and Dorian O’Daniel, among others. We believe he has the agility to handle coverage duties in the hook, curl and flat zones but can also set the edge and pressure the quarterback.
His usage this season is among the hardest to reasonably predict on the roster. Here’s thinking Clemson's coaches bring him along faster than they have most linebackers, but also will stick with the veterans they trust during the bulk of relevant game action.
By: Paul Strelow
Clemson’s preseason marches on as preparations continue toward next week’s season opener at Wake Forest.
In this feature, Tigerillustrated.com divulges the latest developments with specific players as they seek to solidify spots on the coaching staff’s internal depth chart and game plan.
TRENTON SIMPSON
Height: 6-2
Weight: 225
Year: Freshman
Position: Linebacker
WHAT WE ARE HEARING
Discussion about a freshman Clemson linebacker always begins with a version of this disclaimer, supported by ample precedent: It takes awhile to learn the wide range of responsibilities the position demands in a Brent Venables defense. Not only do you have to be able to know where to go with a playbook that features numerous models of the kitchen sink, you’ve also got to be able to make sight adjustments, quickly process and communicate them to the rest of the defense. Oh, and then be able to go make the play.
Five-star true freshman linebacker Trenton Simpson committed on the spot last winter upon receiving a Clemson offer. (Clemson Athletics)
Thus it’s usually been wisest to temper expecting a newcomer to contribute immediately.
What you can decipher out of the gate, though, is a sense for where the player stacks up athletically and physically against the college big boys.
Simpson has flashed, so to speak, more than your typical Clemson freshman linebacker.
FOCAL POINTS
While a five-star recruit, Simpson’s dossier was built off of his speed, range and productivity for a prospect with his measureables. He was used primarily as a running back at Charlotte (N.C.) Mallard Creek and didn’t start playing defense as a senior until the third game of the season.
You aren’t credited with 18 sacks and 45 tackles for loss without showing instincts and acumen. But still, Simpson is being molded into a linebacker.
The footwork, the stances, the pad level – all the technical aspects that come with the position, Simpson is having to make up ground on in comparison to the Tigers’ other two freshmen linebackers.
So there’s just a lot to sort out at this stage in his development, especially as you mentally pair what to do with how to do it.
OUR SEASON OUTLOOK FOR SIMPSON
It’s redshirt sophomore Mike Jones’ time at strong-side linebacker as the next guy in line following Isaiah Simmons. Health withstanding, our bet is that the next snaps when Jones is off the field go to situational substitutes for different nickel and dime package situations – e.g., replacing Jones with a third defensive back for coverage purposes.
A hodgepodge of players from various positions have all worked the SAM/nickel position during the preseason.
In our eyes, Simpson is being groomed as the next heir apparent to the full role previously occupied by Simmons and Dorian O’Daniel, among others. We believe he has the agility to handle coverage duties in the hook, curl and flat zones but can also set the edge and pressure the quarterback.
His usage this season is among the hardest to reasonably predict on the roster. Here’s thinking Clemson's coaches bring him along faster than they have most linebackers, but also will stick with the veterans they trust during the bulk of relevant game action.
