Ben Boulware

A two-year starter at Clemson, Boulware lined up primarily at weakside linebacker in the Tigers' 4-3 base scheme and was the heartbeat of the defense with his competitive spirit and production. Boulware recorded 25 tackles as a true freshman back-up and special team ace before earning starting snaps as a sophomore (two starts) in 2014, posting 58 tackles. He became a regular starter as a junior (15 starts) and finished second on the team with 138 tackles, adding three forced fumbles, nine passes defended and two interceptions to earn First Team All-ACC honors. He earned several All-American nods in 2016 as the team's leading tackler (131) and 11.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, three passes defended and one interception. Boulware was recognized as the ACC Co-Defensive Player of the Year and on the First Team All-ACC team, also earning the 2016 Jack Lambert Award (nation's top linebacker). Boulware, who earned Defensive MVP honors vs. Oklahoma in the 2015 playoffs and vs. Alabama in the 2016 National Championship game, is undersized and very average athletically, but anticipates well with a relentless playing style, which will give him a chance at the next level. He is also innately motivated and sets the tone on the field. Although his deficiencies will make it tough for him to see regular defensive snaps, Boulware is a possible late round draft pick who can make a living on special teams.

strengths

Excellent core power with a sturdy, well-distributed build. Very good timing with his hits, blitzes and everything he does. Accurate reads and his film room preparation translates to the field, recognizing formations and keys. Quick first step to beat blockers to the run lane. Attacks with closing burst. Takes on blocks with a nasty edge to fight through contact. Aggressively jumps routes to get his hands on the ball (15 career passes defended with at least one interception each of his four seasons at Clemson). Forced six fumbles the past two seasons. Contact-driven mentality and throws his lead shoulder into bodies. Wired right for the NFL game with a tough of insanity to him. Motor is always revving and won't take a rep off. Emotional leader in the middle of the huddle and behind the scenes during the week.

weaknesses

Undersized from a height/length perspective. Too easily eaten up by blockers and his short arms stand out when attempting to shed. Lack of length also shows on tackle attempts, falling off the ballcarrier when attacking from awkward angles -- led Clemson in missed tackles the past two seasons. Very average athletically and struggles to make up for a false/late step. Limited lateral range and stiff hips, hindering his transition and losing a step in coverage. Multiple roughing and personal foul penalties on his resume and has drawn criticism over his career for borderline dirty hits.

Rated as No. 78 player in the nation by ESPN

No. 3 inside linebacker in the nation and No. 1 player in South Carolina by ESPN

No. 1 player in South Carolina by Scout.com

No. 8 inside linebacker in the nation and No. 2 player in South Carolina by Rivals.com

No. 182 player in the nation, No. 8 inside linebacker in the nation and No. 3 player in South Carolina by 247Sports.com

finalist for Mr. Football in South Carolina

made a big move with his performance in practice and during the Under Armour All-American game; was named game captain for his team; had three tackles for loss and an interception

had 174 tackles and four tackles for loss as a senior at T.L. Hanna High School

had 178 tackles and four sacks as a junior

had 151 tackles 11 tackles for loss, four sacks and four interceptions as a sophomore

had 89 tackles and five tackles for loss as a freshman

had 592 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, six interceptions, 12 caused fumbles, three recovered fumbles and 10 pass breakups in his career as a four-year starter

had 17 kickoff returns for 364 yards

defensive MVP for the victorious South Carolina team in the Shrine Bowl; had a game-high nine tackles, 2.5 tackles for losses, one interception and a recovered fumble

two-time all-state and all-region selection

two-year captain and team defensive MVP

all-state baseball player as a junior

coached by Kenya Fouch at T.L. Hanna High School

recruited by Chad Morris.

His brother, Garrett, was a catcher and outfielder at Clemson (2012-14) and was drafted by the Reds in the 16th round in 2014; was a career .295 hitter with 30 doubles, 12 homers and 82 RBIs in 150 games

earned undergraduate degree in sociology in December 2016

born Aug. 7, 1994.

2016

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
1.0	0.0	0.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
11.5	0.0	116.0	0.0	2.0	4.0	58.0

interceptions
TD	AVG	YDS	INT
0.0	0.0	0.0	1.0

2015

interceptions
TD	AVG	YDS	INT
0.0	7.5	15.0	2.0