Boulware Doesn’t Take ‘Full Circle Moment’ for Granted
By: Gavin Oliver February 8, 2025

Ben Boulware has come full circle.

Born and raised in Upstate South Carolina in a family full of Clemson fans and alumni, Boulware grew up attending Tiger games as a youngster and then went on to star as a linebacker for the Tigers from 2013-16, ultimately helping them win the natty in his final season.

Now, after joining the Clemson staff last season, Boulware is transitioning to a larger role on the Tigers’ staff this year as the linebackers coach.

Boulware reflected on his journey in a social media post, saying he’s “extremely honored” to have his new opportunity – something that he certainly isn’t taking lightly:

Growing up 25 minutes down the road, then going to every single Clemson game as a kid, to getting to play Linebacker at Clemson, to winning a national championship at Clemson, to now being back leading the Linebacker room at Clemson. When I tell yall that this is a full circle moment for me & that I don’t take it for granted, I mean it.

I’m extremely honored for the opportunity & our LB’s are about to be different.

A two-year starter at linebacker, Boulware left a legacy after a tremendous Clemson career (2013-16) during which he posted 352 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, five interceptions, 41 quarterback pressures, 10 pass breakups, six caused fumbles and four recovered fumbles over 53 games (31 starts).

Boulware, a critical defensive cog and key leader on Clemson’s 2016 national championship team, had 17 career double figure tackle games, and the Tigers were 16-1 in those games. He was the first Tiger in 24 years with a pick-six in a bowl game when he had one against Oklahoma in 2014, and he became the only linebacker in program history with an interception in consecutive bowl games, with both coming against the same team in Oklahoma.