Mickey Plyler's Blog for May 25 |
864-834-6060 Thank you for being a Tiger Source member. Mickey's blog will be released to Tiger Source members first. This is the last segment on quarterback week and today we will look at Clemson recruiting of quarterbacks and my list of the top college quarterbacks. Clemson Quarterback Recruiting Bowden and his staff made a tough decision last summer. They were recruiting Brent Schaffer who was ready to commit to Clemson. For those that don’t remember Schaffer was brilliant as a true freshman at Tennessee before being injured in the South Carolina game. He missed the rest of the year and decided to transfer. Schaffer went to a California JUCO and was set to commit to Clemson. But the staff turned him down. Why you ask? Two words: Willy Korn. Clemson’s staff decided that four years of Korn were better than two years of Schaffer. Schaffer would have had to pass a ton of classes to be eligible but the staff gave Korn its word that they would not recruit another QB if he decided to commit before his junior season. Korn is the finest quarterback I have seen at this stage when you consider all factors. He is the most complete quarterback I have seen at this stage. Let's look at some of Korn’s stats so far. He got a rare chance as a freshman and completed 12 of 17 passes for 90 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. As a sophomore Korn was 239 of 373 for 2,977 yards for 31 touchdowns and nine picks. Korn helped the Rebels to the state title that season. Last year as a junior he completed 281 of his 421 passes for 4,164 yards. I have never heard of a touchdown-to-interception ratio being 53 touchdowns and only six interceptions. A 67% completion percentage is a good year. A season that included over 4,100 yards through the air is as impressive as you will see. But 53 touchdowns is ridiculous. However throwing six picks in 421 attempts is unheard of. Oh yeah, Korn did not play in very many fourth quarters because his team was blowing out opponents, and he led his team to an undefeated state title. In last year’s state title game Korn faced a Richland Northeast defense that had six or seven division athletes. The Rebels beat Richland Northeast 51-8. His career totals going into his senior campaign are 532 completions of 811 attempts for 7,231 yards. Korn has thrown 86 touchdowns and only 15 interceptions. During the last three years Byrnes has gone 43-1 and have won the last four state championships under Bobby Bentley. Korn holds the state record for the most passing TD in a season 53, most completed passes in a season 281 and most passing yards in a season 4,164. When he finishes his career he will hold the career record for completions, yards and touchdowns in South Carolina. You can see Korn this season twice on ESPN networks. The school is adding a video replay jumbo-tron, and Rebel Fever is higher than ever. But it is more than stats with Korn. The real story is his attributes. Korn does the little things that will make a difference. He is a hyper-competitive athlete. I have not seen a bigger competitor. He is also an extremely tough player. I have seen Korn run over free safeties. He is one of the brightest quarterbacks I have seen. He makes all of the throws and throws on the run as well as anyone I have seen. I also have not seen a more accurate passer at this stage. Korn has great feet and can make people miss. Perhaps his best attribute is his drive. Korn wants to get better. He strives for perfection. This is one of the most focused athletes I have seen. If he is half as good as I think he is Clemson is in great shape in the near future. National Quarterback Rankings 1. Brady Quinn-Notre Dame. Led the Irish resurgence. He had over 3,900 yards for 32 touchdowns and seven picks. 2. Drew Stanton-Michigan State- Great athlete who threw for over 3,000 yards, 67% completion percentage for 22 scores and 12 picks. 3. Brian Brohm-Louisville. In his first year as a starter, Brohm completed 69% of his passes and had 19 touchdowns and only 5 picks. 4. Troy Smith-Ohio State. Can hurt you with his feet and came on with 63% and 16 TDs and only 4 INTs. Smith became a team player and a leader last season. 5. Sam Keller-Arizona State. The Sun Devil starter before the injury had 2,100 yards for 20 touchdowns and nine picks. 6. Pat White-West Virginia. Threw it less than 10 times per contest last year but completed 57 %. He rushed for 952 yards and seven scores. White puts pressure on the defense. As a freshman led his team to an 11-1 record and Sugar Bowl win. 7. Rudy Carpenter-Arizona State. He came in when Keller was hurt and all he did was complete 68% of his passes with 17 TD and 2 INT. 8. Chad Henne-Michigan. Big strong pocket passer. @3 TDs and only 8 picks. 9. Drew Tate-Iowa. Good competitor. 2,828 yards with 20 TDs and 9 picks. 10. Chris Leak-Florida. If he were that good he would not be in a QB battle with a true freshman. Numbers were good: 2,639 yards for 20 TDs and six picks. Simple Things Amuse Simple Minds Wednesday night was about as good as it gets for my lifestyle. Tell me you can beat this scenario: 1. Radio turned to Don Munson and Dan Scott’s call of the Clemson win over Wake Forest at the ACC baseball tournament. 2. Yankees beat the Red Sox and TV on MLB’s extra-inning package catching all of the games. 3. Computer occasionally checks in with Big Daddy PBP on TAC. 4. Blue Bell Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Memorial Day Gregg Coleman says come out to George Coleman Ford on Memorial Day as they will be cooking hot dogs and hamburgers. They would love to see you on the special holiday. Please visit our sponsors, Mr. Knickerbockers, George Coleman Ford and Brad Hughes All-State Agency. It is their patronage that keeps the blog free. We are adding more sponsors for this month as well. If you are interested in great advertising opportunities on the blog contact me @ mickey.plyler@tigernet.comMickey's new Blog brought to you by:
The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency
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