Such a key stretch in Clemson's recruiting lies ahead.

The Tigers came into January armed with more vacancies this late in the cycle than any year in memory.

Yet maybe more significantly, they are about to move forward in trying to put together one of the largest recruiting classes of the Dabo Swinney era. And they do so while dealing with several unique challenges that will put their recruiting ability to the test.

ALSO SEE: Recruiting Big Board: Wide Receiver | Recruiting Big Board: Defensive End | Recruiting Big Board: Cornerback | Recruiting Big Board: Tight End

In this series, Tigerillustrated.com goes position by position and takes an inside look at whom Clemson is courting and where it stands with the leading candidates on the staff's recruiting board.

Our latest edition in this series breaks down the linebackers: