Steele looking for answers from thinned-out group of linebackers

CLEMSON — Like any good Nick Saban follower, Kevin Steele loves to talk about “the process.”

For the uninitiated, “the process” is a catch-all phrase to describe how players and teams are fitting into a particular style of coaching – in this case, how Clemson’s defense is adjusting to Steele as he begins his second season as defensive coordinator.

During a recent meeting with reporters, Steele dropped “the process” at least three times, and made it clear that despite 2009’s ACC Atlantic Division title, his defense shouldn’t feel comfortable.

“There are no returning starters on defense – it’s wide open,” he said. “We’re going to move things around, reshuffle the deck and try things.”

And while Steele is a linebacker guru and the Tigers’ position coach there, it’s clear that his linebackers should be most concerned when spring practice begins Sunday. Steele said recently that he’s looking for “player-coaches,” essentially, players he knows understand his system so well they can teach it to other players.

Steele said he had several defensive tackles who fit the mold, several defensive ends, and “three” players in the secondary. The linebacker group?

“That’s a work in progress,” he said.

The Tigers’ linebackers, and consequently their rush defense, struggled near season’s end. After allowing more than 177 yards once in 12 games, Clemson yielded 223 in a loss at South Carolina and 333 in the ACC title game loss to Georgia Tech.

Although they rebounded, holding Kentucky to 167 yards in a Music City Bowl win, it’s clear that Steele expects more from his linebackers. But does he have it on hand right now?

“At linebacker, probably the first thing I’ll say is that we’re a little thin there,” he said. “It’s very important to get the right pieces in the right places because they’re distinctly different. People think “Sam” “Mike” and “Will,” they just think linebacker. Well, you don’t take a quarterback and move him to tailback (in the offensive backfield). They’re all backs but there’s a distinct difference.”

While junior middle linebacker Brandon Maye is the most experienced returnee at 756 snaps, he might also have the most pressure on him. Maye had 103 tackles, seven for loss, and three sacks in 2009, but was criticized at times for a lack of instinctive play.

“You can’t throw the baby out with the bathwater,” Steele said. “When you look at the returning sack leaders, tackles, interceptions and tackles for loss, he’s in the top five in all four categories.

“There’s a lot of productivity there and he did a lot of good things. But when you’re striving for that top gear, then there’s a lot of pressure there. He managed all that and is still on track.”

Sophomore Corico Hawkins will push Maye; he had seven tackles in the Music City Bowl after Maye left with a knee injury.

“Corico has got a little different advantage,” Steele said.” He didn’t have to switch systems (last year). It’s all new for him.”

Gone is “Will” linebacker Kavell Conner, who graduated and took his team-leading 111 tackles with him.

A number of players – including junior Daniel Andrews, sophomore Jonathan Willard and redshirt freshman Quandon Christian – could fill that role.

Redshirt freshman Spencer Shuey could see some time at middle linebacker, and senior Scotty Cooper will be involved again at “Sam” or strongside linebacker. Incoming freshman Justin Parker should make an immediate impact, but he won’t enroll until June.

Parker’s quick involvement might be the beginning of a trend. Steele is specific about who he likes in his defense, and it’s becoming clear there just aren’t enough linebackers on campus, which means younger players could see an increased role in 2010 and beyond.

“It may be that over the next couple of years, because of the numbers and the stack of the linebackers, that young guys could have to play," he said. "Freshmen could have to play. But that's OK. It's been done before."

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