--- title: Levon Kirkland, Jeff Davis among best-ever Clemson linebackers -- plus Tigers 2025 LBs preview includes Sammy Brown description: "Clemson linebackers include legends Jeff Davis and Levon Kirkland in the ranks of the best ever. Plus: Sammy Brown keys a 2025 Tigers LBs season preview." image: https://clemsonkickoff.com/hubfs/best-ever-clemson-linebackers-THUMB-tigers-2025-season-preview.png --- [Skip to content](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/levon-kirkland-jeff-davis-best-ever-clemson-linebackers-plus-tigers-2025-lbs-preview-includes-sammy-brown#main-content) [![Death Valley Intro Outline 2](https://clemsonkickoff.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Death%20Valley%20Intro%20Outline%202.png?width=600&height=209&name=Death%20Valley%20Intro%20Outline%202.png)](https://clemsonkickoff.com/) - [Recent Episodes](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/tag/reign-supreme-alway-podcast) - [Tiger Trends](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/tag/tiger-trends) - [Get Alerts](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news-alerts-clemson-sports) - [Podcast](https://goodpods.com/podcasts/reign-supreme-alway-sports-in-clemson-240902) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Recent Episodes](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/tag/reign-supreme-alway-podcast) - [Tiger Trends](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/tag/tiger-trends) - [Get Alerts](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news-alerts-clemson-sports) - [Podcast](https://goodpods.com/podcasts/reign-supreme-alway-sports-in-clemson-240902) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/clemsonkickoff) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/clemsonkickoff) # What time is Clemson kickoff?  **• Clemson at Florida St., Saturday, Oct. 31, 7 p.m., ACCN • Clemson at Syracuse, Saturday, Nov. 7, TBD** July 30, 2025 | 6:52 PM # Levon Kirkland, Jeff Davis among best-ever Clemson linebackers -- plus Tigers 2025 LBs preview includes Sammy Brown [Staff Report](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/author/staff-report) Share: [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/levon-kirkland-jeff-davis-best-ever-clemson-linebackers-plus-tigers-2025-lbs-preview-includes-sammy-brown) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/levon-kirkland-jeff-davis-best-ever-clemson-linebackers-plus-tigers-2025-lbs-preview-includes-sammy-brown) [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/levon-kirkland-jeff-davis-best-ever-clemson-linebackers-plus-tigers-2025-lbs-preview-includes-sammy-brown) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/levon-kirkland-jeff-davis-best-ever-clemson-linebackers-plus-tigers-2025-lbs-preview-includes-sammy-brown) Clemson won’t be mentioned in the LBU levels with other programs, but there are some talented players who have manned the position as the best linebackers of the Tigers’ modern era. Jeff Davis is the OG of Clemson linebackers and remains one of the most important players Clemson’s program has ever had. Ben Boulware helped lead Clemson to its 2016 national title and continues to have an impact on the program as a coach. Keith Adams and Anthony Simmons were tackling machines. Isaiah Simmons was an unlimited talent.  And the highlight of Clemson linebacker play came in the late 1980s with Levon Kirkland, Ed McDaniel, Wayne Simmons, John Johnson and Doug Brewster all on the same depth chart and built on the days of Johnny Rembert and Andy Headen. My goodness. Sammy Brown will try to join that list during his sophomore season in 2025 after limited play as a freshman but a clear emergence of his talent late in 2024. Wade Woodaz is likely to start alongside him. Transfer (yes, a transfer) Jeremiah Alexander and veteran Dee Crayton in the mix for regular snaps as well.  ## Statistics: Who are the best Clemson linebackers? - Jeff Davis (1978-81) -– Career First Hits (295), Career Forced Fumbles Leader (10), Career Fumble Recoveries (8), three times had 20 or more tackles in a game, Tackles by a Senior in a Season Leader (175), Consecutive double-figure tackles in a game leader (19), third all-time tackles (469), captain of 1981 national championship team, college football hall of fame. - Ben Boulware (2013-16) –- 352 tackles, 26 tackles for loss (TFL), 8-1/2 sacks - Keith Adams (1998-2000) -– 379 tackles, 23 sacks, 54 TFL, 2X All-American - Anthony Simmons (1995-97) –- 2nd highest tackles in season, 178 in 1996, 486 career tackles 2nd all time, 52 TFL fifth all time, 50th anniversary team ACC, 18-1/2 sacks - Isaiah Simmons (2017-19) – 253 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 28.5 TFL, 22 PBU - Levon Kirkland (1988-91) -– 273 tackles, 19 sacks, 40 TFL, Butkus finalist - Ed McDaniel (1988-91) -– Career Forced Fumbles Leader (10) - Bubba Brown (1976-79) –- Still the Tigers' all-time leading tackler, with 515 - Wayne Simmons (1989-92) –- Electric playmaking talent whose interception at Florida State keyed a big win in 1989. - John Johnson -- Underrated talent among deep corps of big-play stars. - Doug Brewster -- Keyed the Tigers' attack during some seasons when his talent was needed. - Johnny Rembert (1981-82) –- Went on to standout NFL career. - Andy Headen -- Unsung hero of 1981 championship team who earned NFL respect. We're glad you found us -- be sure to watch on YouTube.com/ClemsonKickoff so you can share your reactions in the comments, and find us on social media @ClemsonKickoff! ## 2025 Clemson Football Season Previews with Best-All-Time Tigers by Position Each podcast episode covers both the season preview and the best all-time Clemson Tigers at each position, while each blogs is shorter and only covers either the best ever or the 2025 preview. Here are all the links you could need! ### Clemson Defensive Tackles Podcast, [https://youtu.be/G7BSHStxmBA](https://youtu.be/G7BSHStxmBA)  Blog, Clemson’s best of all time: [https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/best-clemson-defensive-tackles-2025-season-preview](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/best-clemson-defensive-tackles-2025-season-preview) Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, [https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/peter-woods-demonte-capehart-power-clemsons-defensive-tackles-in-2025-quick-look](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/peter-woods-demonte-capehart-power-clemsons-defensive-tackles-in-2025-quick-look) ### Clemson Defensive Ends Podcast, [https://youtu.be/kO\_I18rNt\_I](https://youtu.be/kO_I18rNt_I) Blog, Clemson’s best of all time: [https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/best-clemson-defensive-ends-daquan-bowers-vic-beasley-shone-in-death-valley-plus-t.j.-parker-leads-2025-tigers-des-season-preview](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/best-clemson-defensive-ends-daquan-bowers-vic-beasley-shone-in-death-valley-plus-t.j.-parker-leads-2025-tigers-des-season-preview) Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, [https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/t.j.-parker-forges-clemson-defensive-ends-path-ahead-quick-look](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/t.j.-parker-forges-clemson-defensive-ends-path-ahead-quick-look) ### Clemson Linebackers Podcast, [https://youtu.be/c8S1Ib1IFQk](https://youtu.be/c8S1Ib1IFQk) Blog, Clemson’s best of all time:  [https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/levon-kirkland-jeff-davis-best-ever-clemson-linebackers-plus-tigers-2025-lbs-preview-includes-sammy-brown](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/levon-kirkland-jeff-davis-best-ever-clemson-linebackers-plus-tigers-2025-lbs-preview-includes-sammy-brown) Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, [https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/sammy-brown-wade-woodaz-pace-clemson-linebackers-in-2025-quick-look](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/sammy-brown-wade-woodaz-pace-clemson-linebackers-in-2025-quick-look) ### Clemson Safeties Podcast, [https://youtu.be/3qHwV1cCt84](https://youtu.be/3qHwV1cCt84)    Blog, Clemson’s best of all time: [https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/best-ever-clemson-safeties-brian-dawkins-set-standard-chased-by-others-including-khalil-barnes-in-2025](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/best-ever-clemson-safeties-brian-dawkins-set-standard-chased-by-others-including-khalil-barnes-in-2025)   Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, [https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/khalil-barnes-keys-clemsons-safeties-in-2025-quick-look](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/khalil-barnes-keys-clemsons-safeties-in-2025-quick-look)    ### Clemson Cornerbacks Podcast: [https://youtu.be/gaSVwe\_ueZM](https://youtu.be/gaSVwe_ueZM)  Blog, Clemson’s best of all time: [https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/best-clemson-cornerbacks-and-tigers-2025-season-preview](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/best-clemson-cornerbacks-and-tigers-2025-season-preview)     Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, [https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/avieon-terrell-ashton-hampton-lead-clemson-cornerbacks-in-2025](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/avieon-terrell-ashton-hampton-lead-clemson-cornerbacks-in-2025)   ### Clemson Wide Receivers Podcast, [https://youtu.be/s0mQ70\_\_Bq4](https://youtu.be/s0mQ70__Bq4)   Blog, Clemson’s best of all time: [https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/clemson-wide-receivers-2025-preview-tigers-wr-best-all-timer](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/clemson-wide-receivers-2025-preview-tigers-wr-best-all-timer)   Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, [https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/clemson-wide-receiver-room-boasts-bryant-wesco-antonio-williams-t.j.-moore-and-more-in-2025-quick-look](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/clemson-wide-receiver-room-boasts-bryant-wesco-antonio-williams-t.j.-moore-and-more-in-2025-quick-look)   ### Clemson Tight Ends Podcast, [https://youtu.be/5GS6EKIMhag](https://youtu.be/5GS6EKIMhag)  Blog, Clemson’s best of all time: [https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/clemson-tight-ends-all-time-bennie-cunningham-dwayne-allen-tigers-2025-te-preview](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/clemson-tight-ends-all-time-bennie-cunningham-dwayne-allen-tigers-2025-te-preview)  Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, [https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/olsen-patt-henry-steers-clemsons-tight-ends-in-2025-quick-look](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/olsen-patt-henry-steers-clemsons-tight-ends-in-2025-quick-look)   ### Clemson Offensive Line Podcast, [https://youtu.be/pqoXa9D\_LZA](https://youtu.be/pqoXa9D_LZA)    Blog, Clemson’s best of all time: [https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/best-ever-clemson-offensive-linemen-john-simpson-joe-bostic-plus-tigers-2025-season-preview](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/best-ever-clemson-offensive-linemen-john-simpson-joe-bostic-plus-tigers-2025-season-preview)   Blog, 2025 quick-look preview,  [https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/blake-miller-tristan-leigh-bookend-clemson-offensive-line-in-2025](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/blake-miller-tristan-leigh-bookend-clemson-offensive-line-in-2025) ### Clemson Running Backs Podcast, [https://youtu.be/GTkz93TxyGI](https://youtu.be/GTkz93TxyGI)  Blog, Clemson’s best of all time: [https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/best-clemson-running-backs-travis-etienne-will-shipley-followed-footsteps-of-c.j.-spiller-terry-allen-many-more](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/best-clemson-running-backs-travis-etienne-will-shipley-followed-footsteps-of-c.j.-spiller-terry-allen-many-more)  Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, [https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/adam-randall-sparks-clemson-running-backs-in-2025-quick-look](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/adam-randall-sparks-clemson-running-backs-in-2025-quick-look)   ### Clemson Quarterbacks Podcast, [https://youtu.be/d2fX1Gs1oVg](https://youtu.be/d2fX1Gs1oVg)   Blog, Clemson’s best of all time: [https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/best-clemson-quarterbacks-all-time-and-tigers-2025-qbs-preview](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/best-clemson-quarterbacks-all-time-and-tigers-2025-qbs-preview)   Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, [https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/clemson-quarterback-cade-klubnik-critical-to-tigers-2025-quick-look](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/clemson-quarterback-cade-klubnik-critical-to-tigers-2025-quick-look) [Reign Supreme Alway podcast](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/tag/reign-supreme-alway-podcast) ## Related posts [![](https://clemsonkickoff.com/hs-fs/hubfs/all-time-best-clemson-defensive-ends-THUMB-tigers-2025-preview%20(1).png?height=200&name=all-time-best-clemson-defensive-ends-THUMB-tigers-2025-preview%20(1).png)](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/best-clemson-defensive-ends-daquan-bowers-vic-beasley-shone-in-death-valley-plus-t.j.-parker-leads-2025-tigers-des-season-preview) [Reign Supreme Alway podcast](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/tag/reign-supreme-alway-podcast) ## [Best Clemson defensive ends: Da’Quan Bowers, Vic Beasley shone in Death Valley | Plus: T.J. Parker leads 2025 Tigers DEs season preview](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/best-clemson-defensive-ends-daquan-bowers-vic-beasley-shone-in-death-valley-plus-t.j.-parker-leads-2025-tigers-des-season-preview) [Staff Report](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/author/staff-report) July 30, 2025 | 4:13 PM Jeff Bryant was a wrecking-ball on the 1981 national championship team with 19 tackles for loss and... [Read more](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/best-clemson-defensive-ends-daquan-bowers-vic-beasley-shone-in-death-valley-plus-t.j.-parker-leads-2025-tigers-des-season-preview) [![Coaches Dabo Swinney of Clemson and Lane Kiffin of LSU against a decorative backdrop with the headline "Is Clemson's Roster Built to Beat LSU?" and "Week 1 Matchups"](https://clemsonkickoff.com/hs-fs/hubfs/clemson-lsu-matchups-week-1-college-footballthumb.png?height=200&name=clemson-lsu-matchups-week-1-college-footballthumb.png)](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/clemson-vs.-lsu-preview-matchups-to-make-or-break-the-2026-season-opener) [Reign Supreme Alway podcast](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/tag/reign-supreme-alway-podcast) ## [Clemson vs. LSU Preview: Matchups to Make or Break the 2026 Season Opener](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/clemson-vs.-lsu-preview-matchups-to-make-or-break-the-2026-season-opener) [Staff Report](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/author/staff-report) August 28, 2026 | 6:01 PM This week’s podcast episode leans on a friend of the program, Jon Blau, who’s had up-close looks at... [Read more](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/clemson-vs.-lsu-preview-matchups-to-make-or-break-the-2026-season-opener) [![Clemson transfers Jerome Carter, Corey Myrick and Elliot Washington against a decorative backdrop with the headline, "Spot the Ball, It's Go Time."](https://clemsonkickoff.com/hs-fs/hubfs/clemson-lsu-pre-w-TRANSFERS-week-1-college-footballthumb.png?height=200&name=clemson-lsu-pre-w-TRANSFERS-week-1-college-footballthumb.png)](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/clemson-lsu-dabo-swinney-needs-underdog-energy) [Reign Supreme Alway podcast](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/tag/reign-supreme-alway-podcast) ## [Clemson at LSU: Dabo Needs Underdog Energy to Shock LSU](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/clemson-lsu-dabo-swinney-needs-underdog-energy) [Staff Report](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/author/staff-report) September 2, 2026 | 9:01 PM All right college sports fans, Clemson plays at LSU in less than 72 hours, and Dabo Swinney’s plan... [Read more](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/clemson-lsu-dabo-swinney-needs-underdog-energy) [Follow us on Facebook](https://youtube.com/clemsonkickoff) [X Twitter icon](https://www.x.com/clemsonkickoff) [linkedin-in icon](https://www.linkedin.com/company/clemsonkickoff) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/clemsonkickoff) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.instagram.com/clemsonkickoff) - [Recent Episodes](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/tag/reign-supreme-alway-podcast) - [Tiger Trends](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/tag/tiger-trends) - [Get Alerts](https://clemsonkickoff.com/news-alerts-clemson-sports) - [Podcast](https://goodpods.com/podcasts/reign-supreme-alway-sports-in-clemson-240902) --- [![](https://clemsonkickoff.com/hs-fs/hubfs/No-Szn%20Logo%20Std%20Gray.png?width=500&height=500&name=No-Szn%20Logo%20Std%20Gray.png)](https://clemsonkickoff.com) Copyright © 2026, Clemson Kickoff ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Staff Report", "url" : "https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/author/staff-report" }, "dateModified" : "2025-08-22T03:36:20.247Z", "datePublished" : "2025-07-30T22:52:28.000Z", "headline" : "Levon Kirkland, Jeff Davis among best-ever Clemson linebackers -- plus Tigers 2025 LBs preview includes Sammy Brown", "image" : [ "https://clemsonkickoff.com/hubfs/best-ever-clemson-linebackers-THUMB-tigers-2025-season-preview.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/levon-kirkland-jeff-davis-best-ever-clemson-linebackers-plus-tigers-2025-lbs-preview-includes-sammy-brown", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://clemsonkickoff.com/hubfs/No-Szn%20Logo%20Std%20Gray.png" } } } ```