By Matt Osborne
SouthernPigskin.com

Follow us at Twitter.com/SouthernPigskin.  Become a fan at the SouthernPigskin.com Facebook Page

In order for the Tigers to maintain their status as one of the top defensive teams in the country, senior linebacker Ben Boulware will need to thrive in a leadership role for his younger teammates.

Returning just three starters from a unit which led the nation in total defense the season prior, Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables was faced with a difficult situation heading into the 2015 campaign.

Or so, at least, it would have seemed.

Playing with a relatively inexperienced nucleus of players, Clemsons defense once again finished ranked inside the top ten nationally last fall, allowing an average of just 313 yards per contest despite playing a very difficult schedule.

And with just four defensive starters set to return for Venables unit in 2016, the leader of the Clemson defense will certainly have to hope for a similar outcome this fall.

In order for the Tigers to maintain their status as one of the top defensive teams in the country, senior linebacker Ben Boulware will need to thrive in a leadership role for his younger teammates.

Getting production out of the former High School All-American from Anderson should not be much of a concern for anyone with ties to the Clemson program. Boulware is the Tigers leading returner in numerous defensive categories, including tackles (82), tackles for loss (8) and sacks (3.5). His outstanding production in his first year as a full-time starter helped him earn second-team All-ACC honors at the conclusion of the regular season.

But even with his exceptional physical attributes and instincts that make him a high-profile prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft, Boulwares most valuable asset to the Clemson may very well be some of his intangibles.

Never one to shy away from showing his emotion, Boulware plays the game with a rarely-seen amount of passion and intensity. His enthusiasm for the game is something which, when you watch the Clemson defense, has obviously rubbed off on his teammates.

Boulware brings a swagger and a confidence to the field that permeates through the rest of the defensive unit. His teammates turn to him to provide energy in tough situations, and Boulware seemingly never fails to rise to the occasion.

There is no doubt that Clemson has the talent and athleticism to emerge as a legitimate national title contender for a second consecutive season.

And while the offense is receiving the majority of the headlines this offseason, dont see surprised to see Boulware leading an elite Clemson defense once again this fall.