Two-minute drill with Clemson QB Tajh Boyd

You’re in your second spring as the uncontested starting quarterback. What’s the biggest change for you from last spring?

“Confidence. Physically, I’m in as good a shape as I’ve been in in a while. Mentally, I’m feeling the most confident since I’ve been here. It’s all about being comfortable in the offense. It’s all about being knowledgeable. My main goal is to keep pressing and getting to the point where I can challenge everyone like I am challenging myself.”

When you look at the offense, what is your biggest concern?

“Being tough on that goal line. We’ve had busts. It’s more mental than physical. We have to get there mentally. Coaches are challenging us and I feel like it’s a challenge to me being a leader. Guys are going to have to keep working.”

What did you learn from your trip to California to work with quarterback guru George Whitfield over spring break?

“Just some small stuff, tuck your elbow, footwork, things like that. That was four or five days, it’s the consistency of keep working, keep grinding, keep pushing. Coach (Chad) Morris is challenging me every day, and I do feel like I have the best quarterback coach in the country. I am just excited the way this spring has gone.”

Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones was also working with Whitfield. What did you learn from working alongside Jones?

“It’s all about being polished. It’s good working with Landry one on one because he’s considered one of those elite quarterbacks, one of those top picks coming out. And to put yourself against a person like that, to go out there competing, it’s a confidence booster.”

How did your arm strength compare to Jones, who is regarded as having a big arm?

“I feel like I have one of the biggest arms in the country. It was good.”

What’s it like going against Brent Venables’ defense?

“The defense is balling; the defense is grinding. They have some great players out there. Coach Venables is putting them in the situations to make plays. They are challenging the ball on every play. They are filling gaps. It’s definitely going to help us improve. We are just more balanced betweenthe offense and defense. We kindof got away from that last year.”

How are the skill players different?

“Confidence. They know the system. I don’t even have to make signals, hand motions anymore. (They) know what I am going to do. (DeAndre Hopkins) is explosive. Andre (Ellington) is fast, healthy. Brandon Ford is another one. It’s been great. I’m excited to see these guys in game situations.”

Compiled by Travis Sawchik