Has anyone heard anything on the development of Sterling

All-In [35206]

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Joined: 7/2/13

Some thoughts, notes and a few quotes I've saved

Jul 17, 2016, 7:40 PM

DL Albert Huggins
*One of 13 true freshmen in the season opener against Wofford, the most in a single game since 1943. That year the U.S. Government drafted Clemson’s entire junior and senior classes, so Frank Howard’s team was made up of entirely freshmen and sophomore.

"Everybody loves Bert. He has an infectious smile and is a natural leader, but had to make the transition from defensive end to tackle once he arrived on campus and it slowed down his progress. He had 12 tackles in 65 snaps over five games last season, and he broke up a pass and posted six tackles in 23 snaps against Appalachian State. However, from everything we heard, he turned the corner during the spring and he was excellent in the spring game.

I talked to someone during camp that said Bert could start just about anywhere else in the country and they think he will earn valuable snaps this season."
David Hood Thursday, June 30, 2016

After the team held a spring scrimmage- "Albert Huggins was another young player who stood out on defense. The sophomore had a team best three tackles for loss and a sack."
by CU Athletic Communications - Wednesday, March 23, 2016

2015: Had 12 tackles in 65 snaps over five games. Broke up a pass and posted six tackles in 23 snaps against Appalachian State. Played seven snaps in win over Georgia Tech. Logged 20 snaps at Miami and posted five tackles.

This link as well as the video might be more telling than anything though as it shows some great 1-on-1 drill work and intense competition.
http://www.tigernet.com/update/player/WATCH-Micd-Up-Albert-Huggins-22605

LB Chad Smith
Was 'on the bubble to redshirt' last season according to coach Swinney as of August 25th, 2015. Coming out of this spring, it appears that Smith will play the MIKE LB spot if I am to understand it correctly. Freshman Tre Lamar is also slated to play the position in which Kendall Joseph is presumably the starter as of now.

"Freshman Chad Smith redshirted last season, and the early reports out of bowl practice were favorable. Smith is 240-pounds plus and he should be a major challenger to Kendall Joseph. Smith came out of high school in Virginia rated as the No. 6 linebacker overall nationally, and from all accounts the redshirt year was beneficial. Can he step in and challenge to start?

Lamar will also get a chance to chase that starting spot. Lamar went from a 4-star to a 5-star at the end of last season, and he has the size (6-4, 240) to be dominant on the inside. He runs well for a man his size, even though it’s more straight-line speed, but he can cover a lot of ground. He has to improve his coverage skills, but that will come with time and experience."
February 27th, 2016 by David Hood

Ben Boulware on Chad Smith 3/7/2106
"He's (Smith) gotten bigger. He's definitely a lot more physical,” Boulware said of Smith. “He's kind of growing into his body more. He's learned a lot more things mentally. He's learned the playbook. He's reacting quicker. He knows his keys and his formations. He's grown in a lot of areas. I think with everybody, me included, there's a lot to learn. That month and a half off you retain most of the information, but you still lose it. I think there's a lot for us to grow in and learn.”

DL Sterling Johnson Make no mistake, this is yet another fine example of depth. We are seriously blessed in the trenches. Get this- according to an article I found by BleacherReport.com, Johnson tallied 80 tackles, including an incredible 51 for loss, and eight sacks in 2013. Coach Swinney announced on August 25th, 2015 that he had hoped to redshirt Johnson. Here's a brief interview with him that I found, dated February 12th, 2016.

What’s been the biggest thing you’ve tried to improve?
Johnson: “My flexibility.”

What’s your goal for the spring?
Johnson: “Be better than last fall camp and work my way to some playing time.”

How was fall camp, mostly trying to get adjusted to this level?
Johnson: “It was fall camp for a freshman. I don’t know. I guess I wasn’t good enough. That’s alright.”

What was it like watching guys like Christian Wilkins and others, knowing you’ll have a shot to play alongside them in 2016?
Johnson: “It’s pretty cool. It’s fun to watch your teammates have success. I know I’ll be there one day, so I’m not really sweating it too much.”