Tajh Boyd weighs in on Clemson QB battle

Former Clemson All-American compares Trevor Lawrence to an NFL QB, but isn't so sure he takes over as a freshman.

by Brandon Rink - Staff Writer - Tue Aug 14 11:29:01 GMT-04:00 2018

Tajh Boyd has a pretty good idea of what it means to be the quarterback at Clemson. He, like anyone following the program right now, has an eye on how the quarterback competition is unfolding for the Tigers this August.

Clemson coaches are billing it as a 3-way battle between returning starter and ACC champion Kelly Bryant versus two talented freshmen in Trevor Lawrence and Chase Brice. Much of the focus from outside of the program, however, has rested on the former 5-star prospect Lawrence going for the top spot over the incumbent Bryant.

The former All-American quarterback says Bryant has to handle the pressure.

"Obviously the quarterback situation is something that's going to play itself out over time," Boyd said at an event where his foundation helped giveaway school supplies Wednesday. "This is Kelly's job, regardless of the situation. I think that the pressure on him is immense, as compared to quarterbacks in the past. Really it's going to be up to him and the way he carries himself and handles himself in the locker room, on the practice field and in the classroom.

"I think all those aspects will lead him to be successful on the football field."

Boyd sees Lawrence as a unique talent, but that doesn't mean he takes over the starting role this season.

"Obviously the other guy out there, No. 16 Trevor Lawrence, is extremely talented," said Boyd. "The kid has the strongest arm I've seen personally since Matthew Stafford. Put him in the mix with that and I think the kid is going to be a bona fide No. 1 draft pick. I don't think it happens this year though."

However it works out, Boyd expects Clemson to be a national-title contender again.

"Hopefully the situation plays out," Boyd said. "I think the regardless of the situation this Clemson team has an opportunity to make a run for it and really get an opportunity to play for a national championship this year, especially when you look at that (defensive) front-four."