One national analyst believes Clemson’s issues on the gridiron come down to one simple thing.
USA Today’s Matt Hayes believes not having the right quarterback in place is what has held the Tigers back since Trevor Lawrence departed for the NFL.
“Clemson isn’t Clemson anymore because it hasn’t been good enough at quarterback over the last five years,” Hayes wrote recently.
“Fix the quarterback, Dabo. And fix Clemson.”
It’s not like the Tigers didn’t recruit well. Both DJ Uiagalelei and Cade Klubnik were five-star talents and ranked as the top quarterbacks in their class. However, neither failed to live up to lofty expectations.
“DJ Uiagalelei and Cade Klubnik are not Trevor Lawrence and Deshaun Watson. Or even Tajh Boyd,” Hayes said.
With Klubnik having wrapped up his collegiate career in the 22-10 loss to Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl, Hayes believes what Dabo Swinney chooses to do next at the position will shape his program moving forward. And he doesn’t believe the answer is currently on the roster.
“Clemson has missed badly at the position in high school recruiting, signing Klubnik, Christopher Vizzina, Bubba Chandler (who chose Major League Baseball), Chris Denson and Trent Pearman (former walk-on) since Lawrence left for the NFL. If any of those other than Chandler were capable of winning games, they would’ve played over any of the last three seasons. Klubnik played because that’s what Clemson had.”
Hayes believes there is an immediate fix for Clemson and that it can be found in the transfer portal.
“Want to see Swinney and Clemson among the elite of college football again,” Hayes said. “Watch what happens if the Tigers land Brendan Sorsby, Josh Hoover or Byrum Brown. Or if they get the chance to develop Dylan Raiola or DJ Lagway or Aidan Chiles.”
On Monday, Swinney dismissed offensive coordinator Garrett Riley after three years with the program. While that might be one step in the right direction, Hayes believes the issues don’t necessarily stem from who is calling the plays, but rather the signal caller attempting to execute those plays.
“It’s the quarterback, Dabo. Been that way for five years,” said Hayes. “Fix it, and fix your program.”
Photo by Bart Boatwright