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Replies: 64
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Heisman Winner [85735]
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Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 8:40 AM
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Let me open by saying that this is NOT a "bash DJ" post. I believe that young man is doing his absolute best for us here at Clemson, and I commend him for that.
But, here's the thing which I just can't get away from. We all watched DJ just struggle terribly last season. And, even though there were stories around about him losing weight, getting into better shape, etc, The Spring game looked a whole lot like last season.
Which brings me to the point of this post. Despite how much DJ may have liked Clemson's culture, and Dabo, and wanted to be a part of all that, I believe we are doing him a disservice. His athletic skill set just will NEVER fit well into an offense that is predicated on the QB being a "dual threat". DJ just is not fleet of foot, nor shifty, so ANY yards he makes running the football are going to be strictly because of his size. And, because he is not shifty, he is going to take some huge direct hits while trying to run.
The sum total of all those accumulated hits will manifest itself as poorly thrown passes down the road. And, again, DJ's struggles throwing the ball are already well documented. All of which means, our offense is NEVER really going to consistently "click" with him at QB. It really is the classic case of a square peg trying to be fitted into a round hole. It just doesn't work.
Now, DJ may come out and make an absolute fool of me this year, and play lights out. But, the much more likely scenario is that he continues to struggle, because, let's face facts again, he could improve a great deal from last year, and the offense would STILL be only average, to below average, with him at the controls. It will never look "free and easy" for him in this offense. He is a Ben Roethlisberger type Pro Style quarterback. And, for him to really thrive, that is the offense he should be in. And, we are not going to scrap our whole dual threat offensive package that has been so successful, and totally revamp it for him, at this stage. That is why I say we are doing him a disservice.
I foresee almost a carbon copy repeat of the Kelly Bryant situation happening this coming season. If it happens that way, I will wish DJ the absolute best where ever the future might take him. And, if he surprises the heck out of me, I will take a plate of Crow and a grade of slaw, and chew slowly.
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National Champion [8097]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 8:53 AM
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I hear ya. But I hope your wrong. DJ's a good kid and deserves success. IF we can finally put a decent OL in front of him, and IF we get decent WR play, and IF the RBs get anywhere close to what we had with Travis, and IF we don't have a ton of injuries, we might see improvement in his play. Otherwise, I'm afraid it's "second verse, same as the first."
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All-TigerNet [6061]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 9:03 AM
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I attended the first half og the Spring game and while I was there I thought aside from an obvious weight loss, there was no improvement in DJ's game over last year's struggles. That opinion was likely gained due to his first pass being over the head of the receiver.
Recently, I watched the farst half again on video and thought he looked better than I remembered from last year and certainly better than I thought while at the Spring game. His reads were better, his decisions were quicker and his accuracy was a little improved, so I think he's improved somwhat overall.
While I agree that a dual-threat QB is desirable (if he's really good at both passing and running), we can do well with DJ running - if we have a good O-line that can open holes and hold blocks. A QB doesn't have to be shifty or fast if the holes are there and the defenders blocked. It's certainly an advantage to have a quick and shifty QB, but it's not a necessity if we have a good O-line.
If you have a bad O-line, a QB needs to be quick and shifty to help the team and to save his own neck.... but if you have an outstanding O-line, you can do well with a pro-style QB (if he can read quickly and throw accurately).
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Ring of Honor [23715]
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I agree with you
Jun 4, 2022, 7:21 AM
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Watching the spring game the first time I thought, "same ole DJ".
After being tricked into watching the first half a couple more times I realized it was just bias.
He did look better in my opinion. But the coaches see him everyday in practice.
I think he will be improved!
Go Tigers!!!
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Ring of Honor [23715]
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Valley Legend [12583]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 9:04 AM
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Really hard to judge last year given the number of things (basically everything) which went wrong. Also hard to judge his running ability when the D did not respect the pass. Think back to the Natty game with KB2 against Bama. KB2 was a dynamic runner but Bama loaded up on the run cause they did not respect the pass and shut us down cold. DJ will never be a dynamic runner but would be more than serviceable assuming the D had to respect our passing game
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Orange Blooded [2224]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 9:18 AM
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Our O-Line did not do KB2 any favors that game; it was a very poor performance on their part. I know I sound like a hater but it is a consistent area we need to improve to help our QB's be the most effective version of themselves.
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Valley Legend [12583]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 9:38 AM
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Our O-Line did not do KB2 any favors that game; it was a very poor performance on their part. I know I sound like a hater but it is a consistent area we need to improve to help our QB's be the most effective version of themselves.
They did not play well but it’s a numbers game. You bring seven against five the five will always look bad.
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Orange Blooded [2224]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 9:52 AM
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Especially in a two-point stance, LOLz.
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Athletic Dir [1197]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 9:06 AM
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My take on it is after the Georgia Tech game, if he's not sharp, bench him and move on giving the next QB first team reps and playing time before a tough opponent.
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Scout Team [88]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 12:23 PM
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I’m hoping he’s terrible against GATech but doesn’t get yanked. Then I hope he comes out super shaky against my Paladins. Our D is good enough to help him shut Clemson down. We have a new OC who is still an unknown and may be able to steal us a couple of scores. By the 3rd quarter the fans will be in meltdown mode. Then maybe Dabo finally snaps out of it and switches, but too late. We win for the first time since 1936! We go on to win the FCS. Clemson’s new QB runs the table and they squeak into the playoffs with one loss to undefeated Furman.
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Game Changer [1618]
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I love you vigor
Jun 5, 2022, 6:33 AM
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TU for your attitude but mental TD for you wanting someone to beat the Tigers.
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Scout Team [88]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 12:23 PM
[ in reply to Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson? ] |
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I’m hoping he’s terrible against GATech but doesn’t get yanked. Then I hope he comes out super shaky against my Paladins. Our D is good enough to help him shut Clemson down. We have a new OC who is still an unknown and may be able to steal us a couple of scores. By the 3rd quarter the fans will be in meltdown mode. Then maybe Dabo finally snaps out of it and switches, but too late. We win for the first time since 1936! We go on to win the FCS. Clemson’s new QB runs the table and they squeak into the playoffs with one loss to undefeated Furman.
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CU Medallion [20883]
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Orange Elite [5238]
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Re: Why not Furmanoid?
Jun 3, 2022, 11:11 PM
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That band was talented. Their at least a slight resentment at being overshadowed by Debby Harry was justified.
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National Champion [7933]
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Re: Why not Furmanoid?
Jun 4, 2022, 8:04 AM
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Was Blondie done a disservice by having Deborah Harry overshadow them as lead singer?
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Clemson Icon [26237]
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110%er [6825]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 9:08 AM
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Yes/No.
Pro-Style QBs are quietly going the way of the fullback. Yeah they exist and yes they can be effective but they are becoming more and more of an edge case. Most today are at least a hybrid and will continue moving forward.
1st we do know that DJ can be great but for whatever reason he didn't develop and DC were able to completely exploit his weaknesses. Not having a healthy WR corp around him and inconsistent (although not bad) OL didn't help. Didn't have a ETN level RB to bail out the offense. Shipley while carrying the team wasn't the same explosive threat - still AMAZING for a freshman - not complaints there just a lot for a kid a few months from HS ball.
DJ played not to make errors but that made him play poorly. He was not reading fast enough nor was he accurate to bail himself out. If was a combination of factors.
Would a different scheme make difference. Maybe. But pro-style QBs still have to be accurate and have to make the right reads. I think he would still have struggled last year.
Next, QB play and development is never linear. You can have a QB development that is flat and then explodes in year X. You have a few that are NFL ready and a few that are transcendent. DW4 started off unreal and kept getting better. Boyd got a lot better. TL was flat in his second year. Improved but little headroom to get better at the college level.
QB play at DW4 and TL16 can overcome some other issues elsewhere. Also give those guys someone like ETN or Williams/RayRay/Cain/Renfrow/Leggett and it can fix some issue. DJ did not have anything like that level of play around him. He had a lot of injuries (injured himself) and you saw the rythem break down.
One thing that did not break down was the hustle. As "bad" as last year was for some of us, they still fought like heck. The coaches kept them in the game, we still won 10 games. I still say that was the best "coaching job" we had from our staff in the past 10 years. Because you did have enough NLF level talent that could have just coasted/saved it for next year like you see in a lot of other programs. Nope, it was all fight. Kuddos to our boys there. Not the same result but I was still proud of their hustle. That makes a tiger.
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All-Pro [740]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 5, 2022, 5:26 AM
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Excellent writing!
I am not nearly as insightful about QB play but I do know that last year the offense put more and more points up as the year went on. I attribute that to having injuries heal and the OLine getting more and more experienced.
I look for better offensive production this year and that will help the defense, the defensive numbers I mean. Since I expect the defense to be improved, I think a modest offensive improvement will lead to an undefeated year.
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Tiger Titan [50671]
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I see where you’re coming from.
Jun 3, 2022, 9:10 AM
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This makes me wonder something else. If he doesn’t fit our offense, or if our coaches can’t or aren’t willing to adjust the offense to his strengths, then I don’t understand why we recruited him.
I do think our coaches believe in him. He is clearly our #1 QB right now, and gives us the best chance to win. I think our coaches will be honest with him if they no longer feel that way.
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Orange Blooded [2224]
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Re: I see where you’re coming from.
Jun 3, 2022, 9:26 AM
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I do think TE was extremely rigid in any adaptation for DJ last season. TE's post-game interviews repeatedly gave me the impression that he thought his offense had been working for years this way, so why would he change it...hence the 'not executing' and 'not knowing the offense' comments.
Which IMHO it's the job of the coaches to make sure the players execute and know the offense in general.
I think with Streeter having a more personal relationship with DJ, and having control over the play-calling, he will adapt more to his strengths, and we will see an immediate improvement this season.
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Valley Legend [12583]
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Re: I see where you’re coming from.
Jun 3, 2022, 9:41 AM
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I do think TE was extremely rigid in any adaptation for DJ last season. TE's post-game interviews repeatedly gave me the impression that he thought his offense had been working for years this way, so why would he change it...hence the 'not executing' and 'not knowing the offense' comments.
Which IMHO it's the job of the coaches to make sure the players execute and know the offense in general.
I think with Streeter having a more personal relationship with DJ, and having control over the play-calling, he will adapt more to his strengths, and we will see an immediate improvement this season.
Adapt? The first half of the season the OL could not block, the QB could not hit the receiver and when he did they would drop the ball. There is no adapting possible when your offense can’t do simple things at a basic level
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Orange Blooded [2224]
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Re: I see where you’re coming from.
Jun 3, 2022, 9:51 AM
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Well I do agree with you there as well.
But that was also TE's job to make sure those pieces were in place.
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Valley Legend [12583]
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Re: I see where you’re coming from.
Jun 3, 2022, 10:03 AM
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Well I do agree with you there as well.
But that was also TE's job to make sure those pieces were in place.
This is a fair comment as it was his responsibility. On the flip side we have all experienced times in our careers where everything turn to Shyatt despite our best effort. I get the feeling that Dabo’s rigidity on certhings limits TEs options in terms of a response. I can almost hear Dabo telling him that you got who you got so make it work instead of grabbing a few guys from the portal. BTW I am not questioning Dabo as his methods have been super successful but sometimes it hurts our flexibility in the short term.
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Orange Blooded [2224]
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Re: I see where you’re coming from.
Jun 5, 2022, 6:26 PM
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Wait, T-Net folks have careers other than this? Lolz
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Tiger Titan [50671]
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It was inexcusable that our offense was so putrid last year.
Jun 3, 2022, 11:48 AM
[ in reply to Re: I see where you’re coming from. ] |
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People can talk all they want about injuries, but even before the rash of injuries we had major issues with the basics on offense last year.
So while I do feel for the coaches who dealt with significant injuries to our players, that doesn't come close to explaining (or excusing) the offense's regression last year.
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110%er [6825]
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Re: I see where you’re coming from.
Jun 3, 2022, 1:22 PM
[ in reply to Re: I see where you’re coming from. ] |
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Wut?
OL play wasn't that bad. Not great but not bad nor as bad as some folks want to complain. Issues happened later with some injures messing up the line.
Even in the Jawja game, 7 sacks. OL fault. NO! I think 4 of those DJ held onto the ball for like 4-5 seconds. He wasn't reading and going through the progression or making a decision.
Sorry, if the OL was holding up to jawja for that long and DJ was getting the sack then the OL is doing their job.
Put frankly, I don't think DJ prepared coming into the season. Coaching or not, I think that part was on DJ. A kid like him with the physical talents sometimes might not focus as much because he can use this attributes to his advantage. The speed and level caught up to him and I think he was more ready in 2020 than in 2021 for whatever reason. You can't just "learn" in season like he had to do.
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Orange Blooded [2224]
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Re: I see where you’re coming from.
Jun 3, 2022, 6:53 PM
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Sorry, Doc. Not to pick bones with ya, but I do disagree somewhat on the responsibility that the OL had last season.
I personally believe that DJ after the jawja game at times was scared he was going to get murked. At the first game he was still the man from BC/ND, Dr Pepper, and Bojangles. We lost in a nail-biter...
There is no way to know his thought process, but 7 sacks in game one, where he came in hot, had to scare him. All I'm saying is I think that if his OL could have bailed him out a couple more (even if they were his fault), it may not have got between his ears as bad (as has been theorized).
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Game Day Hero [4343]
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Re: I see where you’re coming from.
Jun 3, 2022, 8:02 PM
[ in reply to I see where you’re coming from. ] |
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This makes me wonder something else. If he doesn’t fit our offense, or if our coaches can’t or aren’t willing to adjust the offense to his strengths, then I don’t understand why we recruited him.
I do think our coaches believe in him. He is clearly our #1 QB right now, and gives us the best chance to win. I think our coaches will be honest with him if they no longer feel that way.
I think the coaches may have mis-evaluated him in the sense that they felt he could be Boyd 2.0 at his size. Certainly the arm talent was there for tons of college teams to offer him. The issue got worse when he blew up his weight and his development adapting to the speed of the game mentally has been a disappointment. Hopefully he makes strides from the mental side and the increased confidence translates to the passing accuracy we expected.
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Orange Elite [5349]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 9:11 AM
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It is what it is, you saw what we all have seen. A disservice, no. He had his chance last year and will have a chance this year. I hope he’s lights out. I also hope we don’t lose games delaying changing QB’s if the end result is the same. We desperately need a consistent passing game, be it from DJ or CK. Last year’s run and done offense was painful; we have an option this year and can’t stubbornly fail to pull the trigger if needed.
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Trainer [48]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 9:12 AM
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I have had nightmares the last 3 nights about Clemson football. Which seems like it's early for me to start having football dreams. Each dream is fairly similar in that our offense looks pretty much like it did last year. And it's not always DJ in the dream. The first one we were playing Georgia and couldn't move the ball at all. We used a DT to get a 4th and 1 which we barely got. But then the call was reversed and was 4th and long. This time it was Trevor rolling left and a WR was wide open but just bounced the ball to him. I hope this year is much different than last. It does sound strange saying that coming off a 10 win season but it's just so hard to watch.
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110%er [6825]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 9:22 AM
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Nightmares huh,
Which week are ya?
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Trainer [48]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 9:34 AM
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yeah my dreams are pretty vivid but it doesn't fall in order. The other night it was us playing UCLA for some reason. Most of the time it's strange things like watching the game from the concourse or not making it in time for the game, doing something completely different in the day and realizing this was the USC/Clemson game and missing all of it. Stressful situations basically around the game. Typically i don't start getting them until the season gets close but for some reason i'm having them early, ha!
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Orange Blooded [2274]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 4, 2022, 12:01 PM
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its because of the early official recruiting weekend
you are officially ALL IN
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Paw Master [16194]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 9:34 AM
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From what I hear, DJ is an excellent practice performer, but the old mantra that you play like you practice did not apply last year.
DJ was excellent as a Freshman in the BC and ND games. He wasn't and never will be a dynamic runner like Watson or Lawrence, but he does have some power in short yardage situations like Boyd.
I think DJ could be much better, not necessarily by losing weight, but by losing the monkey that sits in his head. That often is not a fixable issue.
I hope he plays lights out, but if not, that the coaches not delay in making a change.
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Orange Blooded [2224]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 9:54 AM
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I could see TB10 being a great mentor/whisperer for DJ, especially with some of the non-physical aspects of the game as you mention.
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Heisman Winner [85735]
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Well, if DJ has a monkey sitting in his head, Tajh for sure
Jun 3, 2022, 10:36 AM
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still has a Clown-ey sitting in his!
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Orange Blooded [2224]
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Re: Well, if DJ has a monkey sitting in his head, Tajh for sure
Jun 3, 2022, 7:25 PM
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Bazinga! TB10 did make it 4 years though, (3) of which he started. That's not a knock on DJ, but in this [climate] most guys would have transferred by then.
Message was edited by: WarDaddy17®
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Solid Orange [1329]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 9:54 AM
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My exact thoughts. I couldn't agree with you more.
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Orange Elite [5487]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 10:26 AM
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I'm still of the opinion that with the running backs we should have available and DJ's struggles in the RPO, and any issues with the OL, we would be well-served to call less RPO and more planned runs and planned passes.
Dress it up with play-action and such, but take the *decision* away from DJ, let him concentrate on throwing when it's a pass play.
Let the OL concentrate of pancaking folks and getting upfield on run plays and protecting the pocket on passing plays. Less of this half-pass/half-run blocking.
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Paw Warrior [4830]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 10:28 AM
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If DJ had the skills and decision making to be a pro style drop back QB, I'm sure we could work with that.
The problem is he's below replacement value in most areas, not that he isn't a dual threat QB.
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Clemson Icon [24719]
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DJ isn't accurate enough, nor does he make good pre-snap
Jun 3, 2022, 10:43 AM
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decisions or post-snap decisions to be a good drop back QB. His mechanics are bad. He lacks the athletic ability to use his feet to escape when the play breaks down or to overcome his inaccuracy and poor decision making. Teams will not respect his down field passing ability enough to spread them out.
I don't see how we make the playoffs if Cade isn't ready by mid-season.
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Tiger Titan [50671]
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Do you feel that these deficiencies are something coaches
Jun 3, 2022, 11:51 AM
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should have seen in high school?
I don't understand how a guy who was so highly recruited can have such limitations. I understand that the college game is much faster, and some people don't adapt well, but it sounds like more than that.
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Heisman Winner [85735]
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Re: Do you feel that these deficiencies are something coaches
Jun 3, 2022, 12:32 PM
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Maybe they all got suckered in like Heather Sammich, for whom size overcomes all else?
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CU Guru [1574]
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Re: Do you feel that these deficiencies are something coaches
Jun 5, 2022, 8:08 AM
[ in reply to Do you feel that these deficiencies are something coaches ] |
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It's because in high school, there simply isn't enough talent to force him into situations that would expose his flaws. He could get away with looking at one receiver in high school because defenses typically couldn't make him pay for it. Also, defensive looks Kirby Smart and co. can throw at him are a lot more complex that high school.
Along those lines, the reason he looked better in 2020 is because with the talent Clemson had that year, there were some things opposing defenses simply could not do against Clemson. Etienne specifically was a big factor. Opponents simply could not do some things defensively because of the threat he posed, and that gave Uiagalelei simpler looks, which help madk the deficiencies we saw last year.
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TigerNet Elite [75364]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 11:00 AM
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For reasons some have stated above, I believe DJU will have a solid season.
I believe we will win the ACC and make it to the CFP.
He may not be the best in every area, but he has much more talent than most QBs in the nation. With improved talent around him, and a more uptempo game, I see big improvement this year.
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All-In [10807]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 11:53 AM
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We watched DJ with back up running backs, back up receivers and most especially inexperienced back up linemen. No reasonably intelligent person could make any determination from last season so give him the benefit of the doubt for the first few games this year. Dabo will.
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MVP [528]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 11:59 AM
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Wrong - Just look at the Notre Dame game two years ago where he came in out of nowhere to almost pull that game out for us. We have not had a top ten offensive line the last two years. Give him a top ten offensive line and he will produce. None of our QB's will produce at this level without a top offensive line. I agree on his weight - he still needs to lose another 8-10 pounds which should improve his mobility. Clemson's success for the third straight year now will hinge on the relative effectiveness of our offensive line - Bottom Line!
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TigerNet Elite [75364]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 12:28 PM
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I believe DJU can and will run the ball. He is a big, strong guy.
On power runs up the middle he can go for a few tough yards when called on.
Last year he was not called on for that as he was already banged up, and the backup situation was less than this season.
One thing that perturbed me last season was he was not a good actor when handing off the ball. It was pretty much no fake just a straight up hand off all could see. That makes it tougher on the RBs.
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CU Medallion [20883]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Thoughts
Jun 3, 2022, 12:54 PM
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1) You are right. DJ was ranked #14 in ACC QB rating last year, and 90-something in the country. Is that fixable? I do not believe so. DW4 and TL16 were 90-percent finished products when they arrived on campus. These QB's did not have a learning curve, the Clemson coaches had a learning curve on how best to use them.
2) K. Bryant had a very tough go of it being sandwiched between two starting NFL QB's. He was not that caliber a player though half of Tnet would have started Bryant all year and cost Clemson a natl championship. Dabo was too good a coach to make that mistake.
3) And 76er®, I believe you will see a repeat this year. Dabo will respect DJ enough to tell DJ when Cade Klubnik (if he stays healthy) takes the starting job by being more mobile, more accurate, and a better communicator and field leader. Dabo respects DJ and will let him know in time to enter the portal if DJ chooses.
4) And DJ is not only getting in better shape for Clemson. He knows 2022 will result in him starting and playing for the ACC championship and playoffs or entering the portal. DJ will not be hanging around watching Klubnik lead the team. He will leave for the interested team of his choice. And Clemson fans should wish him the best.
Nothing to do but see how it plays out and hope Dabo can thread the needle again between respecting his individual players, accepting when it's time to move on, and in the end, making decisions based on the interests of the team as a whole and WINNING (where the fun is.)
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110%er [3722]
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For a top program, Year 3, the quarterback
Jun 3, 2022, 1:26 PM
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should be developed to where NFL scouts are drooling... At least that is the expectation. So far, not so much. It appears he's going to give it his best this fall camp and into the early part of the year.
If he succeeds, then we succeed.
If not, we wish him the best and he can transfer to a system that fits him more.
However, even if he goes to a system best suited for him, he has to be better to get to the next level. He has got to develop, quickly. Right now he's undraftable.
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Asst Coach [815]
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Too late to worry - transfer portal to the Saudis complete***
Jun 3, 2022, 1:49 PM
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Varsity [104]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 2:53 PM
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Lol. No one is going to make drastic improvements to their game in 3 months, to your body that’s easy but sounds like you expectations were similar to, well the lottery is up to 500 million, if I buy a ticket I should win— level of expectations… got to be realistic, game one will tell us all we need to know, not the spring game a couple months after the season ends.
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Hall of Famer [8225]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 7:36 PM
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Notre Dame last year says hi!
Maybe give him an Oline, a few receivers that can hang on the football, and some sports counseling, And I think he’ll be fine, not great, but fine
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Hall of Famer [8225]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 7:38 PM
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Notre Dame year before last, geez how time flies
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CU Medallion [20883]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Respectfully, Tigers need great QB Play
Jun 3, 2022, 8:27 PM
[ in reply to Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson? ] |
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We can't always outman Bama, UGA and/or 0-31 state (2018 was a nice exception), but QB can be the differentiator as it was when DW4 beat a better Bama team in 2016. Yes, it was awesome!
Point is it all starts with QB play -- a very good to great QB makes everyone better. Makes WR's better. Makes OL better.
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Rival Killer [2769]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 3, 2022, 9:57 PM
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He did us a disservice.
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Clemson Conqueror [11396]
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The best to hope for with DJ is he's Tajh Boyd 2.0 this year
Jun 4, 2022, 7:43 AM
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Like Boyd, he's strong but not quick, big arm but sometimes erratic, maybe not the quickest at processing looks the defense gives him. Yet...Boyd was a pretty dang good QB for us, but never a Deshaun or Trevor. So, that is the best case scenario with DJU. But if we're shooting for the top, Klubnik is probably the eventual answer.
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All-Conference [441]
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Re: The best to hope for with DJ is he's Tajh Boyd 2.0 this year
Jun 4, 2022, 12:47 PM
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Not to take anything from him, but Boyd had unreal WR talent. I think there’s a few of us on here that could have managed a TD or two throwing to those guys. DJ has the same downfall as Boyd, and I think he has it even worse. The problem is all between the ears. He became the man and struggled with the pressure that comes along with that. It’s like in basketball when a great shooter can’t hit their free throws. It’s not because the talent isn’t there. Trevor and Deshaun, and I believe Cade too, excel under pressure. Here’s to hoping DJ can flip that mental switch.
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CU Guru [1574]
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Re: Are we doing DJ a disservice here at Clemson?
Jun 4, 2022, 1:09 PM
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The problem isn't with him being a "dual threat" quarterback. The problem is that he can't sufficiently read defenses or go through progressions. If he could do that, the offense would be fine, regardless of his running ability.
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110%er [3677]
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It has nothing to do with DJ being at Clemson
Jun 4, 2022, 5:05 PM
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Name some other D1 schools where you think he "fits" and would thrive.
The problem is DJ could not read defenses, had zero pocket presence, was very inaccurate with his passes and just failed last year. To blame all (or even most) of his problems on one component is complete nonsense IMO.
The bottom line for me (especially after watching the spring game) is DJ is probably more suited for a lower tier of competition at the collegiate level and should transfer after this season if it does not go well. This would help his development and give him a better chance to sort out his issues and take a shot at the NFL.
I certainly wish him the best this season and hope to be dead wrong in my assessment.
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Dynasty Maker [3350]
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Re: It has nothing to do with DJ being at Clemson
Jun 5, 2022, 6:16 AM
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Agree. As of now, he wouldn't get much interest from Power 5 schools if he enters the portal.
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Dynasty Maker [3365]
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National Champion [7524]
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We don’t develop QBs
Jun 5, 2022, 11:10 AM
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Controversial to some I suppose. TL was better the day he stepped on campus than the day he stepped off. Had to relearn basics last year at Jacksonville.
DJ played great as a freshman. Last year…
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Orange Blooded [2224]
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Re: We don’t develop QBs
Jun 5, 2022, 2:02 PM
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I won't argue one way or another on that...all I'll say if that's true, we better have started by now!
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