Clemson coach Swinney announces that backup linebacker McCloud will miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury

Maquel Haywood runs past Clemson linebacker Kobe McCloud in the first half of an NCAA college football game

Clemson backup linebacker Kobe McCloud will be out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury he sustained in the Tigers’ victory over Appalachian State, coach Dabo Swinney announced on Monday.

Swinney mentioned that McCloud will need surgery on his right knee, though the date for the operation has not been set yet.

McCloud, a 5-foot-11, 225-pound junior from Tampa, Florida, is the main backup to starters Barrett Carter and Wade Woodaz. He started two games last season, recording 17 tackles, including 3.5 for a loss, and forced a fumble.

Tahj Brooks runs for a first down in the 1st half

In McCloud’s absence, Swinney said freshman Sammy Brown and sophomore Jamal Anderson will take on more responsibilities.

Brown, a five-star recruit from the recent class, led the team with seven tackles in the last game. Anderson, a 6-2, 215-pound sophomore from Buford, Georgia, is the son of former Atlanta Falcons running back Jamal Anderson.