Clemson sports news and analysis: Clemson Kickoff News & Reign Supreme Alway Podcast (14)

Best-ever Clemson safeties: Brian Dawkins set standard chased by others including Khalil Barnes in 2025

Posted by Staff Report on August 4, 2025 | 7:21 PM

When we talk about safeties at Clemson, two names jump out among a talented group of players: Terry Kinard and Brian Dawkins.

Kinard was a ballhawk and a hitter and helped lead Clemson’s dominant defense when the program won its first national title in 1981. He remains the career leader in interceptions (17) and takeaways (19) and paired with linebacker Jeff Davis as the true leaders of that Clemson defense.

And no one has ever been a bigger hitter at Clemson than Dawkins, who might have been an even better player in the NFL than he was at Clemson (if that’s possible). A true leader and inspirational spark for every team he played for, Dawkins is Clemson’s only Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Amid change in 2025, Khalil Barnes’ playmaking abilities will remain a constant. Kylon Griffin, Ricardo Jones and Ronan Hanafin are among the candidates to join the rotation alongside him.

Statistics: Who are the best-ever Clemson safeties?

Brian Dawkins (1993-95) – 247 tackles, 11 INT, 3x All-ACC, NFL Hall of Fame
Terry Kinard (1978-82) – Ring of Honor, first-team All-American, first-round NFL Draft pick, Career INT Leader (17), Career Takeaways (19), 294 tackles (most by DB), 17 INT, unanimous All-American
Antwan Edwards (1995-98) – First-round NFL Draft pick, 219 tackles, 8 INT, 35 pass break-ups (PBU), 1,169 return yards
DeAndre McDaniel (2007-10) – First-team All-American, 296 tackles, 15 INT, 20 PBU, first-team All-American
Robert O’Neal (1989-92) – 8 INT as a freshman in 1989 w/ 12 total, 37 PBU, three-time all-ACC selection
K’von Wallace (2016-19) – 178 tackles including 81 in senior season, 21 PBU, 5 INT, 36 starts in 59 games, INT in 2018 on Texas A&M 2-pt. attempt in closing moments of game to preserve win (also 7 tackles and 2 PBU that day)
Rashard Hall (2009-12) – 14 INT, tied 4th all time
Michael Hamlin (2005-08) – One of 5 players with a 3-INT game; 14 INT, tied 4th all time; 43 career starts tops all Clemson safeties; 181 career tackles
Jackie Calvert (1948-50) – First-team All-American, part of undefeated 1948 team that won Gator Bowl, captain on undefeated team in 1950 that finished 10th to become Clemson’s first top-10 team, 5.92 rushing yards per attempt, which was school record as of his death in 2011
Robert Carswell (1997-2000) – 374 tackles (10th all time), 7 INT (6 in ‘99), 21 TFL

We're glad you found us -- be sure to watch on YouTube 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!

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Levon Kirkland, Jeff Davis among best-ever Clemson linebackers -- plus Tigers 2025 LBs preview includes Sammy Brown

Posted by Staff Report on July 30, 2025 | 6:52 PM

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

Clemson Defensive Tackles

Podcast, https://youtu.be/G7BSHStxmBA

Blog, Clemson’s best of all time: 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

Clemson Defensive Ends

Podcast, 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

Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/t.j.-parker-forges-clemson-defensive-ends-path-ahead-quick-look

Clemson Linebackers

Podcast, 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

Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/sammy-brown-wade-woodaz-pace-clemson-linebackers-in-2025-quick-look

Clemson Safeties

Podcast, 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

Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/khalil-barnes-keys-clemsons-safeties-in-2025-quick-look

Clemson Cornerbacks

Podcast: https://youtu.be/gaSVwe_ueZM

Blog, Clemson’s best of all time: 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

Clemson Wide Receivers

Podcast, 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

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

Clemson Tight Ends

Podcast, 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

Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/olsen-patt-henry-steers-clemsons-tight-ends-in-2025-quick-look

Clemson Offensive Line

Podcast, 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

Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/blake-miller-tristan-leigh-bookend-clemson-offensive-line-in-2025

Clemson Running Backs

Podcast, 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

Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/adam-randall-sparks-clemson-running-backs-in-2025-quick-look

Clemson Quarterbacks

Podcast, 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

Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/clemson-quarterback-cade-klubnik-critical-to-tigers-2025-quick-look

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Tags: 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

Posted by Staff Report on July 30, 2025 | 4:13 PM

Jeff Bryant was a wrecking-ball on the 1981 national championship team with 19 tackles for loss and might have been overlooked on a defense filled with stars. He established the tone for the best Clemson defensive ends of the modern era.

Trevor Pryce played only one season with the program (and they say Clemson doesn’t take transfers!), but he made a big impact, which led to a pro career.

And then the position really became a focus with the play of Gaines Adams, who turned things over to Da’Quan Bowers, who turned things over to Vic Beasley, who turned things over to Shaq Lawson.

The most recent championships showcased a dominant defensive line, which featured Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant. And in their wake, Myles Murphy was a first-round draft pick even without gaudy sack totals.

Statistics: Who are the best-ever Clemson defensive ends?

Vic Beasley (2011-14) – First-team all-american, first-round draft pick, Career Sacks Leader (33), 52.5 tackles for loss (TFL)
Clelin Ferrell (2016-18) – First-team all-american, first-round draft pick, 27 sacks
Austin Bryant (2015-18) – First-team all-american, 153 tackles, 35 TFL, 20.0 sacks, 32 QB pressures
Da’Quan Bowers (2008-10) – First-team all-american, 179 tackles, 47 QB pressures, six PBU, Record nine straight games involved in a sack, 19.5 sacks for career
Gaines Adams (2003-06) – First-team all-american, first-round draft pick, 28 sacks, 168 tackles, 44.5 TFL
Jeff Bryant (1978-81) – First-round draft pick, 19 TFL for 1981 title team
Shaq Lawson (2013-15) – First-team all-american, first-round draft pick, 167 tackles, 46.5 TFL, 20 sacks, 29 QB pressures
Trevor Pryce (1996) – First-round draft pick, 20 TFL, 7.5 sacks in lone season at Clemson
Myles Murphy (2019-21) – First-round draft pick, 139 tackles, 37 TFL, 17.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, 6 PBU

Who are your favorites? Tell us in the comments at YouTube.com/ClemsonKickoff, and find us on social media @ClemsonKickoff!

2025 Clemson Football Season Previews with Best-All-Time Tigers by Position

Clemson Defensive Tackles

Podcast, https://youtu.be/G7BSHStxmBA

Blog, Clemson’s best of all time: 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

Clemson Defensive Ends

Podcast, 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

Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/t.j.-parker-forges-clemson-defensive-ends-path-ahead-quick-look

Clemson Linebackers

Podcast, 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

Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/sammy-brown-wade-woodaz-pace-clemson-linebackers-in-2025-quick-look

Clemson Safeties

Podcast, 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

Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/khalil-barnes-keys-clemsons-safeties-in-2025-quick-look

Clemson Cornerbacks

Podcast: https://youtu.be/gaSVwe_ueZM

Blog, Clemson’s best of all time: 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

Clemson Wide Receivers

Podcast, 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

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

Clemson Tight Ends

Podcast, 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

Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/olsen-patt-henry-steers-clemsons-tight-ends-in-2025-quick-look

Clemson Offensive Line

Podcast, 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

Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/blake-miller-tristan-leigh-bookend-clemson-offensive-line-in-2025

Clemson Running Backs

Podcast, 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

Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/adam-randall-sparks-clemson-running-backs-in-2025-quick-look

Clemson Quarterbacks

Podcast, 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

Blog, 2025 quick-look preview, https://clemsonkickoff.com/news/clemson-quarterback-cade-klubnik-critical-to-tigers-2025-quick-look

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Best-ever Clemson defensive tackles include Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins. Plus: Peter Woods leads Tigers DTs season preview for 2025

Posted by Staff Report on July 29, 2025 | 8:46 AM

Clemson has a long history of strong play by its best defensive tackles -– and there are many in those ranks -– from Archie Reese and Jim Stuckey to the Bruise Brothers (William Perry and William DeVane) to the terrific recent run of Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence and Bryan Bresee. The middle of the Clemson defensive front during the modern era has been stout and talented, and they have carried that over to the next level too.

Michael Dean Perry might not be as famous as his older brother, but he had an outstanding career at Clemson and in the NFL – and outdid big bro’s numbers for their days as Tigers. Grady Jarrett might have been undersized and under-recruited, but was a star at Clemson and has been even more outstanding in the NFL. And don’t forget Chester McGlockton and Brentson Buckner.

The anchor of the Clemson defense has long been those defensive tackles.

For his junior season in 2025, Peter Woods returns to the interior of the defensive line in hopes of someday joining that list of greats. For more about the 2025 Clemson defensive tackles room, including Demonte Capehart, Vic Burley and Amare Adams, be sure to watch the podcast above.

Statistics: Who are the best Clemson defensive tackles?

Rob Bodine (1989-91) -– First-team All-American, 48 TFL (led nation with 27 as a senior in 1991).
Bryan Bresee (2020-22) –- First-round NFL draft pick, 15 TFL, 9 sacks.
Grady Jarrett (2011-14) -– 207 tackles, 29.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 37 QB pressures, one PBU, two caused fumbles, four recovered fumbles, 1,642 snaps.Chester McGlockton (1988-91) -- First-round NFL draft pick, 20.5 sacks.
Dexter Lawrence (2016-18) –- First-team All-American, first-round NFL draft pick, 162 tackles, 20 TFL, 11 sacks, 43 QB pressures.
William Perry (1981-84) –- First-round NFL draft pick, 25 sacks, 60 tackles for loss (TFL).
Michael Dean Perry (1984-87) -– First-team All-American, career TFL leader (61), 28 sacks.
Jim Stuckey (1976-79) –- First-round NFL draft pick, 18 sacks, 314 tackles.
Carlos Watkins (2012, 14-16) -– 191 tackles, 26 TFL, 14 sacks, 1 INT, 7 PBU.
Christian Wilkins (2015-18) –- First-team All-American, first-round NFL draft pick, career Snaps by DL leader (2,441), career PBU by DL leader (16), 250 tackles, 41 TFL, 16 sacks, 56 QB pressures.