If you’re looking for the next under-the-radar Clemson football player who could become a fan favorite, keep your eyes on redshirt freshman linebacker CJ Kubah-Taylor. He may not have been a household name yet, but the buzz around him this fall camp is growing and it’s coming straight from the top.
CJ Kubah-Taylor, a former three-star recruit from Frederick, Maryland, saw limited action in his first year with the Tigers. In 2024, he played just seven defensive snaps over two game appearances, recording two tackles while redshirting. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to get a taste of what the college game is all about. And now, entering the 2025 season, it feels like he’s poised to take a big leap.
From Maryland to Death Valley
Coming out of Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, Kubah-Taylor brought a reputation for being physical, tough, and relentless on the field. He wasn’t the flashiest recruit in Clemson’s 2024 class, but he fit the mold of the type of player Dabo Swinney loves to develop — high motor, high effort, and high ceiling.
The adjustment to college football is rarely easy for linebackers, who have to master both the mental side of the game and the physical demands. For CJ Kubah-Taylor, year one was all about soaking up knowledge and getting comfortable in the Clemson defensive scheme. He learned from veteran leaders in the linebacker room, got valuable practice reps, and even saw the field just enough to get a feel for game speed.
Now, with a year of learning under his belt, the next step is turning potential into production.
Dabo’s Seal of Approval
When Dabo Swinney praises a young player, it usually turns heads — and that’s exactly what happened after his recent post-scrimmage press conference. Asked about freshmen and young players who stood out, Swinney didn’t hesitate to single out Kubah-Taylor.
“Kubah-Taylor is, you know, the most probably explosive hitter we got,” Swinney said. “That says a lot. This kid is an explosive hitter and he is a true thumper. He’s just got to put it all together. He’s just a guy that’s going to develop. He’ll be a special teams guy for us.”
That wasn’t all. Swinney even compared him to former Clemson linebacker BJ Goodson, who went on to play in the NFL.
“He’s got that type of thump,” Swinney added, pounding his fists together. “He reminds me a little bit of BJ Goodson. I mean, he’s one of those guys when he hits people, people clap. He’s just a naturally physical guy. Again, he’s not a complete player yet, but he’s got the attributes you like in a linebacker.”
When your head coach says you’re one of the most explosive hitters on the team, people take notice.
Learning from the Best
This season, the linebacker room will be led by two standouts — sophomore Sammy Brown and veteran Wade Woodaz. Brown burst onto the scene last year with his athleticism and range, while Woodaz has been a steady, reliable force for Clemson’s defense. Together, they’ll run the show at linebacker in 2025.
For CJ Kubah-Taylor, that leadership is a blessing. He’ll spend plenty of time learning from those two, picking up tips on reading offenses, improving his positioning, and refining his technique. And while Brown and Woodaz will handle the bulk of the snaps, look for Kubah-Taylor to get his opportunities, especially on special teams and in certain defensive packages.
It’s the perfect setup for a young linebacker — contributing in a supporting role while soaking in everything from two of the best in the conference.
Building His Role
For 2025, Kubah-Taylor’s immediate goal is to make a splash on special teams and force his way into more defensive reps. His natural physicality makes him an ideal candidate to be a headhunter on coverage units, and if he keeps impressing in practice, the coaches will find ways to get him on the field.
And with that “thump” Dabo Swinney talks about, he could quickly become a player fans recognize — not because of his jersey number, but because of the sound his hits make.
The Long-Term Outlook for CJ Kubah-Taylor
The linebacker competition at Clemson is fierce, but CJ Kubah-Taylor has a style that stands out. With more reps, more experience, and the mentorship from linebackers coach Ben Boulware, he could develop into a future leader of the defense.
It might not happen overnight, but the foundation is there. He’s got the work ethic, the mindset, and the physical tools. And if history is any indication, players who fit that description in Clemson’s program tend to eventually make their mark.
So, while he’s still in the “learning and developing” phase of his career, CJ Kubah-Taylor is exactly the kind of player who can go from unknown to unforgettable. Keep an ear out for the “oohs” and “ahhs” in Death Valley this fall — there’s a good chance they’ll be following one of his hits.
