Tre Lamar: “Everybody is ready to stop hitting each other and hit somebody else” |
CLEMSON - Junior linebacker
Tre Lamar had his season end early last year after suffering a stinger in the Florida State game in Death Valley. Lamar worked hard to return this season and is excited to be on the field Saturday against Furman.
One of Lamar’s most memorable highlights was in the same game when he clobbered FSU quarterback Justin Blackmon and causing a fumble. “I definitely felt that was a good hit. I didn’t know how good it was going to be going into it, but I definitely felt the impact,” Lamar said.“Having the injury was a difficult time for me,” Lamar said. “Standing out there for this first game, knowing that I did all my rehab and came back will be the best feeling in the world.” After the long offseason, Lamar is ready to get back on the field for the Tigers and make some huge plays for the Tiger defense. “Finally. Camp was long, but we needed it and I felt like we got a lot better during the time. But everybody is ready to stop hitting each other and hit somebody else. I can’t wait,” Lamar said. Furman runs the spread option, so the Clemson defense needs to be prepared to play fast and prevent the huge runs. But this is something the Tigers have seen before against teams like Georgia Tech, so they will be prepared. “With these types of offenses, it’s a little tricky just because you always have to be sound in your discipline and know exactly what you need to do. At any time, a big play could break off,” Lamar said. Since his freshman year, Lamar has looked for ways to improve his game to better himself and the team. He has grown mentally stronger in the last two years under coach Venables. “(In) my freshman year, I just had a hard time grasping everything,” Lamar said. “I have really worked my hardest to become a better player and a better man. I feel like Clemson has done a great job.” Former Clemson linebacker Dorian O’Daniel, who now plays for the Kansas City Chiefs, played a huge role for the Clemson defense last year. Lamar has learned a lot from O’Daniel, including how to be more effective in pass coverage. “Dorian is a great player and very athletic and he knows what he is doing,” Lamar said. “Learning from him not only in games but in practice every day and seeing the technique he brought to it and the eye discipline he had helped a lot.” The linebackers, like the rest of the defense, are overshadowed by the well-known defensive line of the Tigers. But the two units help and feed off of each other and know that the publicity does not matter as much. “Those guys deserve all that (publicity). They make life way better for me and Kendall Joseph. Obviously, everybody wants their shine but once the season starts we will see what happens,” Lamar said. The leadership and experience are not short on this team. From the defense to offense, Clemson has plenty of leaders, and Lamar knows he is one, especially as the quarterback of the defense. “(I am) more reserved. Personally, I have always been someone who feels like they should lead by their actions,” Lamar said. Lamar’s talent adds to the explosiveness of this Tiger defense and hopefully, he can stay healthy the whole year and show off even more.
Upgrade Your Account
Unlock premium boards and exclusive features (e.g. ad-free) by upgrading your account today.
Upgrade Now
