Sideline Observation: Skalski and Smith, Clemson's Dynamic Defensive Duo

Maybe you think you've heard their names before in an ad for a personal injury law firm. Or maybe you think they were two characters on a television show in the 70s based on a couple of unconventional, rule bending cops. Or maybe you knew exactly who they were before the 2019 Clemson football season began. If you are the person who knew who they were and have been watching them closely all season, you may be in the minority.

Maybe you think you've heard their names before in an ad for a personal injury law firm. Or maybe you think they were two characters on a television show in the 70s based on a couple of unconventional, rule breaking cops. Or maybe you knew exactly who they were before the 2019 Clemson football season began. 

If you are the person who knew of James Skalski and Chad Smith and have been watching them closely all season, you may be in the minority. 

By the end of the 2018 season, most everyone who followed Clemson football could name the Tigers' front four- Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins, Austin Bryant and Clelin Ferrell. And, most everyone knew these four powerhouse defensive linemen were going to be playing on Sundays in the NFL. But who could tell you who would replace them? And would they be nearly as capable? 

While the rest of college football fans may have been asking those questions, Coach Dabo Swinney and Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables didn't seem to be too panicked over the situation. In fact, before and during fall camp, Coach Swinney made a seemingly outlandish statement: the starters in the linebacker, cornerback, and safety positions were the strongest he felt he had ever seen during his time at Clemson. 

"I think we got guys that can run, guys that know how to play the game, and it's going to be a really good group," he said. "But Isaiah (Simmons) and (James) Skalski and Chad (Smith) — that's a pretty good starting point to go out there. And Skalski's one of those guys that the football world, y'all know who he is, but the football world didn't really know who Skalski is, but if he stays healthy they will." 

Swinney expressed this confidence in July, before fall camp had even started. 

This August, one week after fall camp began, Coach Brent Venables had praise for Skalski and Smith when he said "We're not real deep and experienced, but a few guys in that small group there, five or six guys, that I feel really good about those guys." He continued with, "(Smith and Skalski) are two of the starters. They have fantastic couple of days here. Really good." Praise is rare coming from Venables, especially during fall camp.

There was no question returning starter Isaiah Simmons would make his presence known on the field. He was a force last year, and no one expected any less of him this year.  

But who are these other two guys Swinney mentioned in the same breath with Simmons? 

Again, if you paid attention over the past few years, you knew who they were. 

James (Jamie) Skalski is a redshirt junior- a guy who has been contributing since his freshman year in 2016, but certainly not in the starting position he has now. And Chad Smith? He's now a graduate student who was redshirted in 2015. 

But until Tre Lamar left for the NFL, Shaq Smith transferred to Maryland and Kendall Joseph graduated and headed for the NFL draft, he was not a starter in his current middle linebacker position. Both players have been grinding it out, increasing their number of tackles from one year to the next. 

But neither were exactly household names. 

I was aware of the preseason opinions of both Swinney and Venables concerning Skalski and Smith. And, it became obvious very quickly that neither was wrong in their assessment of this duo. As I've mentioned before, what is not always clear from the stands becomes unmistakable when I review the photos I've taken from the sidelines. In the opening games against Georgia Tech and Texas A&M, two jersey numbers kept showing up in numerous defensive series- #47 and #43- Skalski and Smith, respectively.

Skalski and Smith, the guys who had earned rare praise from Brent Venables, the two whose names were mentioned right alongside legend-in-the-making Isaiah Simmons by Dabo Swinney; those guys were all over my photo files. Like a running back for the opposite team, it seemed I just couldn't escape them.

In each game I've shot since those first two, the same pattern has been repeated—You see #43, you also see #47. 

Sometimes they are closing in on the opposing team's QB or RB at the same time. Sometimes one will begin the pressure and the other will finish with a tackle. Or one will miss a tackle altogether, but the other is there to make a strong, clean hit. Or, you'll see them working in tandem to close in on the ball carrier giving another defender time to stop a run, or to sack the QB.  

Relentlessly, consistently, and without fail, they are in the faces of the offensive opponents for as long as they are on the field.  And they seem to do their jobs with as much energy and passion as anyone could. Quite honestly, it looks like they are having the time of their lives out there. 

And the best part? The numbers show that while they are out there having fun, they are also highly successful. 

After game seven, these two are right behind Isaiah Simmons in total number of tackles; Simmons with 59, Skalski with 40, and Smith with 33. It seems as if the dynamic duo is becoming a "thing," and more people than just this sideline photographer are taking notice. 

Skalski and Smith have committed to the process, stayed in the mix and waited for their time. To anyone unfamiliar with them, it would be easy to mistake their names for something other than defensive linebackers who are wreaking havoc on every offense they've faced this season. 

However, I am sure opposing teams know exactly who they are, and I guarantee preparing to play against them isn't something anyone would take as lightly as they would watching reruns of a funky 70s cop show. 

James Skalski (47) and Chad Smith (43) sing the Clemson Alma Mater following the Tigers' win in Louisville, October 19, 2019

James Skalski with Xavier Thomas (3) make a crucial stop on a 2 pt conversion to defeat North Carolina, September 28, 2019

Chad Smith and James Skalski after stopping Cam Akers during the game against Florida State, October 12, 2019

James Skalski directs the defense while facing Louisville, October 19, 2019

Chad Smith relentlessly pursues Louisville QB Evan Conley during the game at Cardinal Stadium, October 19, 2019

James Skalski single-handedly stops North Carolina RB Michael Carter, September 28, 2019