CLEMSON — While Ben Boulware might be in his first year as the linebackers coach at Clemson, it hasn’t taken him long to get the attention of his players.

Boulware spent four years with the Tigers (2013-16). After being a key reserve as a sophomore, he spent his final two seasons leading the charge for a stingy Clemson defense, which included helping guide the Tigers to their first national title in more than three decades as a senior. Boulware won the Jack Lambert Award that season, which is given out annually to the nation’s best linebacker, and also earned Defensive MVP honors in the national title game.

Boulware’s list of accomplishments at Clemson is endless, and there’s no question he left a legacy. One that will never be forgotten by those who had the privilege of watching him play. He was the heart and soul of those defenses. His love for the game and especially his passion were unmatched, and he has brought that fieriness with him into his new role as an assistant on Dabo Swinney’s staff.

The energy he brings to the job quickly rubbed off on his players, including transfer Jeremiah Alexander.

“I love that man,” Alexander said. “He has been in my shoes before, so I give all my respect to that man. He pushes us each and every day. Some days, you feel like he is over the top with it, but like I said, he has been where we are trying to go. So I respect that man and give that man everything I have each and every day.”

Boulware’s first spring practice as the linebackers coach is now in the books, and by all accounts, it was a successful one. With the summer months now approaching, that means some of the hardest work now begins.

“He is challenging all of the linebackers to be at 15% body fat going into the season,” Alexander added. “Just being lean as possible, the best shape as possible.”

Boulware was one of those guys that never took a single play off. His motor was always running. That is the same kind of mindset he now has as a coach. That kind of mentality is contagious, and his linebackers are embracing it.

For Alexander, who joined the team in January after spending his first three seasons at Alabama, that includes doing everything in his power this summer to be ready to contribute to a defense looking to improve in multiple areas.

“Expanding my knowledge of football,” Alexander said. “Becoming the best player physically, mentally and emotionally. Just all around, the best player.