By Ed McGranahan.

By Ed McGranahan

GREENSBORO, N.C. – The most persistent question to Cole Stoudt today at the ACC Kickoff went something like this, in so many words:

“You lost Sammy Watkins and Tajh Boyd, so how does Clemson plan to move the ball this season?”

Ever mindful that dozens of Twitter accounts were prepared to shiver if he misspoke, Stoudt was polite and respectful and assertive in his responses. In his first appearance before dozens of national and regional media representatives, Stoudt handled himself well. He didn’t try to be clever or glib.

As the quarterback heir at Clemson he understands the urgency of always choosing his words carefully.

“I have a different style about myself than I had in high school. In high school it was a fun sport to play. When you get to college it is all business,” he said.

“I’m constantly working hard, getting the team better, trying to become a leader.”

No team can succeed without genuine leadership from within the ranks. Coaches try to identify the natural leaders – those with an inherent charisma – then try to groom more, typically choosing from those with an unquenchable work ethic and high moral fiber.

Not all leaders are vocal but through their work can help a group reach a consensus and move toward a goal. Stoudt was one of them.

“Even while I was a backup I tried to force myself to get my voice out there because when Tajh was gone I wanted to be a guy people could look up to.”

During those few opportunities on the field when Boyd was injured or at the end of games, Stoudt was able to deliver, completing 72 percent of his passes for eight touchdowns.

“For me it’s something I had to constantly work on,” Stoudt said. “I’m a guy who leads by example.”

Stoudt spent time with Jeff Davis, a man who oozes charisma, assistant athletic director for player relations and easily the leader of Clemson’s national championship team. Davis urged Stoudt to step out of his comfort zone and embrace the willingness to  motivate by getting in a teammate’s face.

“That’s something I’ve worked on in the last year,” Stoudt said. “It’s about your attitude, how you go about things. You want to be the same guy every day.

“If someone’s not on board or having a slow day, you’ve got to get them up, get them motivated. Let’s get this day going. Let’s get better.”

While he mightn’t have been the best athlete, Stoudt won the job in a competition with Chad Kelly and DeShaun Watson that included every aspect. Three seasons as Boyd’s backup was obviously a huge factor, watching and learning. After Stoudt was named the starter Kelly pitched a fit and was dismissed.

“It’s a sad situation. You never want to see someone get kicked off the team,” Stoudt said. He’s had little to no contact with Kelly.

“I knew that when I was named the starter that the quarterback is the face of the program. I knew there was going to be some pressure,” he said. “I don’t want to focus on what other people think of me. I know who I am. I know who my teammates know who I am.”

Stoudt insists he was patient when another team might have benefited from his surgeon’s touch when he throws rather than watch Boyd from the sideline. His father, former NFL quarterback Cliff Stoudt, schooled him well and continues to be his guide, but when Pop mentioned the possibility of transfer, Cole ended the conversation.

“Please don’t ever bring that up again.”

So this is Cole Stoudt’s offense, and the question bears repeating. How does a guy who hasn’t started a game since high school follow where Boyd and Watkins & Co. left off?

“We still have the same offense, the same tempo. We still have the same formula. We have a lot of weapons,” Stoudt said.

“Some people are going to be shocked by what we’re going to do.”