​Sammy Brown checks just about every physical box as a linebacker. Through two seasons at Clemson, Brown has already become an All-American, an All-ACC selection and one of the most productive linebackers in the country. He led the Tigers with 107 tackles in 2025, adding 13.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, seven pass breakups, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.His next challenge cannot be measured by a stat sheet or combine traits. Sammy Brown’s key quote of the day was “The biggest thing for me is developing as a leader,” Brown said. “Leadership is new to me. I’ve always had Barrett or Wade. It’s a new perspective. I lean on a couple of guys, Will and other guys.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFor the first two years of his Clemson career, Brown could follow established voices. Barrett Carter finished his career as a two-time All-American, permanent team captain and one of the most experienced linebackers in program history. Wade Woodaz, captain, earned that status in 2025 while finishing second on the team with 77 tackles.Now those voices are eradicated, and Clemson’s most productive returning defender must become one of those key voices himself.Brown is not interested in pretending he has already mastered that responsibility either.“I need to take the next step in my journey,” Brown said. “It’s never a finished product. There’s so much you can work on conceptually. You can never be too good at blocking structure.”Brown also emphasized the work Clemson’s defense has done away from the field. The Tigers focused heavily on strengthening relationships throughout the offseason, attempting to create a unit capable of communicating without hesitation.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“When you have 10 other guys, you have to know what they’re thinking,” Brown said. “That builds confidence, knowing what the other guy is thinking.”A linebacker must diagnose formations, communicate adjustments, and ensure the entire defense is operating together before the ball is snapped. Brown needs him to help place everyone else in a position to do the same.He also has a useful example nearby in former Clemson linebacker Ben Boulware, whose leadership and personality helped drive the Tigers to the 2016 national championship. Boulware has remained on Clemson’s staff and assisted Brown during his breakout 2025 campaign.Brown does not need to become a copied version of Boulware, Carter, or Woodaz. He only needs to become a more vocal version of the player Clemson already trusts.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementContact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: ACC Media Day: Sammy Brown embracing new leadership role at Clemson