As you well know, true freshman Clemson quarterback Tait Reynolds was under constant duress throughout last Saturday’s 41-13 loss to No. 4 Miami.
Though he faced heavy, relentless pressure, Reynolds didn’t back down and more than held his own against the Hurricanes, scrambling around to escape the onslaught of defenders chasing him all night and making his fair share of plays in the process.
Though he didn’t get nearly enough help from his offensive line, Reynolds played admirably and continues to show a lot of promise. Clemson offensive line coach Matt Luke and the Tigers’ coaching staff watched the first-year talent complete 29-of-44 passes for a career-high 295 yards against Miami in his third career start.
Reynolds drew praise from Luke for continuing to compete and battle despite the circumstances.
“First of all, let me say, I think Tait has done a great job, man,” Luke said. “He’s stood in there. He’s been tough, and he’s made a bunch of plays.”
Reynolds was sacked six times by Miami, and according to Pro Football Focus, he faced pressure on 33 of his 44 dropbacks as the offense struggled up front.
After the line failed to provide consistent protection, Luke acknowledged the Tigers must do more to help their young signal-caller.
“We’ve got to be better around Tait, to give him a chance,” Luke said. “But we’re all in this thing together.”
With the Tigers relying on four underclassmen up front to match up against seasoned Miami veterans — not to mention the freshman Reynolds at the helm — Luke knows there’s going to be “growing pains” for the youngsters.
That was certainly the case Saturday night, but Luke remains optimistic about their potential when everything clicks and comes together.
“There’s going to be growing pains for a freshman quarterback or a freshman lineman. But again, they’re all growing together,” Luke said. “That’s what I’m excited about – is when these guys start putting it together and they start seeing it and tasting it and feeling what it really looks like, I think you’re going to see a big jump.”
