'Freak' Trenton Simpson will have monster year for Tigers

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CLEMSON — Clemson football’s season opener against Georgia is right around the corner. College football season will be here before we know it, and ClemsonSports.com is helping you get ready by counting down the 25 most important players for Clemson in 2021. Up next: No. 9 Trenton Simpson.

‘Freak’ Trenton Simpson will have monster year for Tigers

Trenton Simpson almost didn’t end up at Clemson.

Despite being a five-star recruit, the Tigers weren’t sure they would have room for him in their 2020 recruiting class.

Ultimately Clemson did, offering Simpson in December of 2019. He committed shortly thereafter and signed with the Tigers just a few days later.

It’s safe to say the move is working out for both Simpson and Clemson.

The Charlotte native immediately made an impact for the Tigers last season, finishing with 6.5 tackles for loss and 4 sacks while appearing in all 12 games.

As the season progressed, he clearly gained confidence and looked like one of the best athletes on Clemson’s roster. He’s moving into a starting role this year as the Nickel/Sam and could be a star for the Tigers sooner rather than later.

If you don’t know much about Trenton Simpson yet, you will soon.

“Freak,” senior linebacker James Skalski said of how he’d describe Simpson. “Obviously used him in all sorts of ways last year, and I think that’s just going to continue to happen.”

Trenton Simpson (22) will be a big part of the Clemson defense this fall. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Simpson can rush the passer, drop back in coverage or help in run support. He’s a legit do-it-all linebacker.

His 6.5 tackles for loss last season were tied for the third-most on the team with ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year Bryan Bresee. His 4 sacks were tied for second on the team.

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Simpson put up impressive numbers, despite only starting three games and playing 281 snaps. For comparison, fellow linebacker Baylon Spector played 517. Simpson’s numbers should be much better this year in a full-time role.

“Inside, outside, D-end. He can attack people and use his ability in many different ways,” Skalski said. “If you know [Venables] you know he’s going to find a way to do that.”

The last player who Venables moved all over the field was Isaiah Simmons, who went on to be a top-10 overall pick.

It’s unfair to put those kind of expectations on Simpson, but he’s certainly more than capable of having a monster year and career for the Tigers.

“Trenton is just as talented but in his own unique way,” Skalski said.