Parker looks for positives |
CLEMSON – When backup quarterback Tajh Boyd took the field during the second quarter of last Saturday’s game against North Carolina State and his name was announced to the crowd, a cheer went up for the redshirt freshman.
Starting quarterback Kyle Parker was asked on Tuesday if he heard the applause for his backup or if it bothered him, and he said no to both. “Not really,” Parker answered. “The biggest thing is, when you have guys that are highly recruited or highly sought after, they are obviously going to have some support. I think all of that is just part of the position of playing quarterback. When things are going good, I am the best player on the field, and if things aren’t going well, then they obviously want to replace me.” The redshirt sophomore said he takes his support from his teammates, coaches and family. “It’s all about who you are playing for,” he said. “I am playing for Clemson, my teammates and for my family, and I play for the main reason that I enjoy playing. My teammates – those guys know football. They sit down and see the film, and they understand what is going on. They understand the game and they support me. With all that being said, all I can really do is thank all the people out there who are being positive.” Parker said that he also understands the old axiom that the backup quarterback is always the most popular guy on the team – but that doesn’t mean that statement is right. “A lot of those people couldn’t tell you the difference between a draw play and an out route,” he said. “A lot of those same people wanted Charlie Whitehurst’s backup to come in and play, and now he’s an eight million dollar guy in the NFL. The biggest thing is, it would go a long way to have some positive support in this program. We are on the verge of getting this back to where it should be, and everyone in this program is working to get us there.” Many have said that Parker played better after Boyd made his appearance, but he said he thought he played well throughout the game except for one play. “I thought I played pretty consistent the whole game, other than the interception,” he said. “That was my perception when the game was over, and I thought that after looking at the film. I thought I made good throws both before and after the interception. I honestly thought I gave us the best chance to win, and I tried to put us in the best position to win.” Parker will lead his offense into Tallahassee for an appointment with Florida State on Saturday night, and he said he realizes the passing game will have to be on point if the Tigers are to leave Florida with a win. “The offensive line and the receivers have to play really well, and I can’t make the critical mistakes I’ve made the last two weeks,” Parker said. “Our defense is playing lights-out, and we can’t do anything to put them in a bad position. I know we are going to have to throw the ball in order to win. Jamie [Harper] has taken a pounding this season, and with Andre out, we need other guys to step up.”
Unlock premium boards and exclusive features (e.g. ad-free) by upgrading your account today.
Upgrade Now