Fiesta Bowl MVP LB with Elite Tackling & Military-Driven Intensity
Chad Smith, a 5th-year Clemson linebacker, delivered a career-defining 12-tackle performance to win the 2019 Playstation Fiesta Bowl MVP, cementing his status as a differentiator who thrives under pressure. Though he redshirted and spent three years on special teams before earning a starting role in 2019, his 80 tackles (5.0 for loss), 3.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles in that season showcase elite tackling range and playmaking intensity. Smith, a highly-touted recruit from 2015, brings a military-inspired mindset—honoring service as a core life value—that fuels relentless pursuit and leadership. His injury history is minimal, and his personality blends quiet discipline with explosive game-day fire. You should care because Smith is a proven big-game performer who elevates when stakes are highest. For your team, he’s a perfect fit: a versatile, battle-tested LB with special teams grit, defensive MVP credibility, and the intensity to anchor a defense in critical moments.
