Boyd helps prepare for rival QBs

CLEMSON -- When reviewing Clemson's success against top-rated quarterbacks this season, it's as if Kevin Steele has some secret weapon to prepare for top passers.

He does.

Rarely do defenses practice against scout team quarterbacks who are former five-star prospects. But that's exactly what the Clemson defense has faced this season as freshman Tajh Boyd has played Riley Skinner, Jacory Harris and Christian Ponder in practice.

This week Boyd stars as N.C. State's Russell Wilson, the fifth top-20 quarterback the Tigers meet this season.

"How many defensive staffs are running back the film on a scout team quarterback?" said Steele, Clemson's defensive coordinator. "Running back video to see how quickly the ball comes out of his hand? Very rarely does a scout team quarterback have an effect on the defense.

"The guy is amazing."

Steele said Boyd has played a significant role in the defense's success this season.

The Tigers have gone 3-1 against top-20 quarterbacks. Clemson leads the country in interceptions (19), ranks sixth in pass defense (159 yards per game) and is 13th in passing efficiency (99.8).

Against Clemson, three ACC passers ranked in the top 20 of passing efficiency -- Ponder, Harris and Skinner -- have combined to post a 3-to-9, touchdown/interception ratio.

Against all other opponents, the trio has thrown 49 touchdowns against 20 interceptions.

The defenses might be practicing against a better quarterback. A quarterback more physically gifted than Wilson, who is third in the ACC in passing yards per game (261.2), 16th nationally in passing efficiency (148.7) and boasts 24 touchdowns against nine interceptions.

Said Clemson safety DeAndre McDaniel, who leads the nation with eight interceptions: "Tajh is just as good as any of the quarterbacks we are going to face. That dude is good."

But it's more than just Boyd's arm strength or "unbelievably quick release" as Steele describes it. It's the ownership an elite prospect has taken in running the practice squad.

Steele designs practice call sheets reflective of opposing teams' tendencies. But occasionally the competitive Boyd will disregard the orders. Steele recounted a particular episode Tuesday, saying he criticized Boyd for not throwing to a particular receiver earlier this season. After all, it was the opponent's tendency.

Steele said Boyd responded by saying " 'Coach, the curl was open, he was covered. Coach, I can't train wrong.' "

"He's trying to make them look bad," Steele said. "He's in their faces. They love him to death. … He has an uncanny ability to lead people."

Initially, Boyd had no interest in the scout team offense.

He wanted to play.

He saw an open quarterback competition this spring as he rehabbed from ACL surgery. He attended quarterback meetings in March and said not to count him out in August.

When Kyle Parker won the job, a disappointed Boyd was slated to redshirt.

Early in the season, Boyd received limited snaps as the third-team quarterback, and Michael Wade ran the scout team.

To get the talented Boyd more work, he shifted to the scout team, a move that has accelerated his development.

"I'm working against one of the best defenses in the country," Boyd said. "You have to throw everything before (receivers) break.

"It's helping me get adjusted to the speed. I know when I first came, even for spring practice and everything, scrimmages, it seemed like I was moving slow."

When Boyd begins taking snaps as a starter is unclear.

Parker is breaking freshman records and seems entrenched as the QB -- barring injury or taking up pro baseball full-time.

But when Boyd gets his chance, he says he'll be ready: "I feel like if I can do something against the (first-team) defense, when it comes my time to play, it shouldn't be too big a problem."

Reach Travis Sawchik at tsawchik@postandcourier.com and check out his Clemson blog at www.postandcourier.com/blogs/tiger_tracks.