Former Porter-Gaud star switching positions, Boyd’s arm strength gets boost

CLEMSON — Former Porter-Gaud standout Stanton Seckinger is experimenting with a position change at Clemson.

The redshirt freshman has spent time at tight end this spring due to Clemson’s depth at receiver and the team’s lack of bodies at tight end. Clemson has a number of playmakers at receiver but tight end Dwayne Allen declared early for the NFL draft.

Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris said he is cross-training Seckinger at both slot receiver and tight end.

“He has versatility and he is a tough kid, he’s athletic,” Morris said. “He’s maybe not quite fast enough to be on an island as a wide receiver but fast enough to help us on the inside. He is excited about it because he can fit (at tight end).”

The 6-5, 200-pound Seckinger recorded Porter-Gaud single seasons records of 105 receptions for 1,833 yards and 26 touchdowns as a senior in 2010.

Brandon Ford is atop the depth chart.

QB expert helps Boyd
When quarterback Tajh Boyd worked with quarterback guru George Whitfield over spring break, Whitfield’s focus was to incorporate Boyd’s lower half more into his throwing motion, which should improve his throwing velocity.

“Physically, he looks like a (weak-side) ‘backer with those big shoulders and traps,” Whitfield told CBSSports.com. “Sometimes with guys like that, they tend to wear it like, ‘This is who I am.’ So he wouldn’t really step into the throw because he felt like he didn’t need to. He’d just gun it. … His arm is huge (so Boyd) is less inclined to be detailed with his legs.”

Kelly to backup Boyd?
The Clemson staff has been disappointed with backup quarterback Cole Stoudt’s performance this spring, which Morris said leaves the door open for incoming freshman Chad Kelly to compete for the backup quarterback role.

Kelly has told reporters he and Morris have spoken about some special packages which would allow Clemson to utilize Kelly’s mobility this fall.