Backup QB Korn to transfer

CLEMSON -- Willy Korn arrived at Clemson with great expectations. He arrived three years ago as a consensus top-10 quarterback prospect and fan favorite, having starred at nearby Byrnes High School.

After throwing just 66 passes during an injury-plagued career at Clemson, Korn announced Wednesday he will transfer to another program following his graduation in May.

"Things didn't work out for me on the football field the way I had hoped," Korn said in a statement Wednesday. "I really want to go where I can contribute as a starter. So, I plan to transfer to another school in hopes of earning the starting quarterback position."

Korn did not say Wednesday where he planned to transfer.

The assumption was Korn, a redshirt sophomore, would transfer down a level to a FCS program to preserve his two years of eligibility. But by graduating in May, Korn can also transfer to a FBS program without losing eligibility.

Bobby Bentley, his former high school coach, has made calls on behalf of Korn to gauge interest from various programs. Bentley did not reveal a short list Wednesday, saying he believes the list of potential matches remains wide open.

"He's trying to go I-A," said Bentley, though not ruling out the FCS route saying: "We're keeping our options open."

In September, Korn denied rumors he would transfer to Appalachian State. The Mountaineers would seem like an ideal landing spot. They possess a dual-threat star quarterback in Armanti Edwards, who will graduate after the season, and Appalachian is an FCS power. Korn also said last month he had not looked into playing at Gardner-Webb.

Furman might seem like a logical choice for Korn, but the Paladins are expected to start UCLA transfer Chris Forcier at quarterback next season.

The dissolution of the Korn-Clemson relationship began in the summer.

On Aug. 17, redshirt freshman Kyle Parker was named the starting quarterback, beating out Korn after a lengthy quarterback competition. The presence of talented freshman quarterback Tajh Boyd added another variable of uncertainty to Korn's future.

The prospect of transferring changed from plausible to probable in late September when Korn said he would "evaluate" where his best chance to play was at the end of the season.

When naming Parker as the starting quarterback in August, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said Korn would play in every game.

Korn has not played in Clemson's last three games, taking snaps in only six of Clemson's games. Swinney later clarified his remarks, saying his desire was to play Korn every game, but it was dependent upon game situations.

"We met near the end of the season, and obviously he wants to transfer to a school where he can be the starter," Swinney said in a statement. "I understand his decision. … He has represented this institution in a positive manner in everything he has done the last three years." As a freshman, Korn played in two of the first three games but broke his collarbone against Furman and missed the rest of the season receiving a medical waiver.

In his only career start in 2008 against Georgia Tech -- Swinney's first game as interim coach -- Korn injured his shoulder, which required surgery after the season.

Korn's throwing motion and velocity appeared to be affected by the injuries and resulted in surgery in the spring. He improved his mechanics during the summer, but it was not enough to complete with Parker's elite throwing ability.

In three seasons, Korn has completed 46 of 66 passes for 406 yards and three touchdowns. He has also rushed for three touchdowns.

An official close to the program said Korn will remain as the No. 2 quarterback during Clemson's preparation for the Music City Bowl. The team would under no circumstance play Boyd in the game, which would strip him of his redshirt status.

"I was very blessed and fortunate to have had the opportunity to play football and go to school here," Korn said. "The relationships I have built with my teammates will last the rest of my life."

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