Ben Boulware Brings Grit, Earns Praise as Clemson’s New Linebackers Coach
Ben Boulware may be new to coaching, but he’s no stranger to Clemson. A Tigers legend who helped lead the program to the 2016 National Championship and won the Jack Lambert Award as the nation’s top linebacker, Boulware’s fiery presence is once again being felt around Death Valley—this time as the new linebackers coach.
After serving as a volunteer special assistant last season, head coach Dabo Swinney promoted Boulware to the full-time role, trusting him to bring his trademark intensity and passion to Clemson’s linebacker room.
One player who has already embraced Boulware’s no-nonsense coaching style is senior linebacker Wade Woodaz, a preseason All-ACC selection. Woodaz, entering his final year of eligibility, has quickly formed a bond with his new coach—one built on honesty, respect, and plenty of tough love.
“I love Ben,” Woodaz said this week. “As a human, and then as a coach even more. He’s not afraid to tell me the truth, no matter how brash or harsh it might be. I appreciate him for that. He’s always pushing me, but at the same time, he’s real with it.”
Woodaz values the authenticity Boulware brings, emphasizing that their relationship allows for blunt conversations without friction.
“It’s not like he’s just speaking down on me all the time,” Woodaz explained, rapping his hands on the table. “There’s a relationship behind it. We can talk to each other that way… well, he can talk to me that way,” Woodaz added with a grin.
“I don’t yell at him,” he said sheepishly.
Woodaz, who tallied 83 tackles and 10 tackles for loss as a junior, believes Boulware’s relentless energy will keep him at Clemson for years to come.
“I can see him being here a long time,” Woodaz said. “Just the intensity and juice he brings.”
When asked for a typical example of Boulware’s approach, Woodaz didn’t hesitate.
“Take something simple, like taping your ankles. He’ll be like, ‘Don’t be an idiot. Tape your freaking ankles, man,’” Woodaz said, mimicking Boulware’s gravelly tone. “That’s how most of the conversations go. But I really appreciate him.”
Authentic, direct, and unfiltered—that’s exactly what you’d expect from Ben Boulware. And with Wade Woodaz giving him his stamp of approval, it’s clear the Tigers’ linebacker corps is in passionate hands.
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