Anthony: Swinney humbled him and woke him up as a player

by Tony Crumpton - Assoc. Editor - Tue Mar 31 10:28:47 GMT-04:00 2015

Clemson linebacker Stephone Anthony Stephone Anthony
Linebacker (2011 - 2014)
#42 6-3, 245
Polkton, NC
View Full Profile talked to CBS Sports Radio's The DA Show on Monday and discussed various topics including his disappointment when he learned he wouldn't be starting a stretch of games his sophomore year at Clemson (started first 6 games).

"Yes, sir. That was something that definitely had to wake me up," Anthony said on CBS Sports Radio’s The DA Show. "I just needed to be humbled, and he (Swinney) humbled me in a way. He got a chance to get my attention – and he did. And as you said, it woke me up and it was time to go to work."

Anthony had to accept the fact that Swinney and the rest of the coaches had a plan in place. "(There) was definitely some heat (with) that,” he said. “But you swallow your pride and trust what coach is doing."

The former 5-star linebacker had a good support group around him with his teammates and assistant coaches and was able to get through that tough stretch. "That’s definitely where you go,” he said. “You got to believe in your teammates, and I was definitely around some good guys I was able to lean on and go to for advice and kind of help me through that process."

Anthony said that he just went to work on his craft. "Keep your head down. Keep working. That’s all I know how to do."

Was Anthony shocked about the 4.56 40-yard dash time (best time by a true inside LB) he ran at the 2015 NFL Combine?

"Oh no, not at all," Anthony said. "Not at all. I knew I had some wheels on me. I just didn’t know what number was going to pop up there. I’m blessed with some talent, and I’m just trying to take it as far as I can take it." Anthony also had 23 bench press reps at 225 pounds, showed a 37 inch vertical jump with a 122-inch broad jump and was impressive with on-field football drills during the 2015 NFL Combine.

He had 330 tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 6 forced fumbles, 18 quarterback pressures and 13 pass break-ups in his Clemson career. After his senior season, he was named as a first-team All-ACC selection by the media and the coaches.

Stephone Anthony