Tiger football: Spring forward?
History says Clemson starting quarterback race not necessarily over
By Travis Sawchik
CLEMSON — Listening to the growing clamor this spring, one might think Kyle Parker is already toting the starting quarterback torch around campus.
Parker's rifle of a right arm has Clemson Nation daydreaming of 60-yard bombs to Jacoby Ford this fall. Though he has never taken a regular season snap, Parker's skill and improved accuracy had media types asking question after question this spring about the depth chart.
AP
Kyle Parker was impressive during the spring game, but Tiger fans shouldn't pencil him in yet as the starting quarterback next season.
Is Willy Korn No. 2? Is Kyle Parker No.1?
Still, those crowning quarterbacks before azaleas are in full bloom might want to curb their spring-coronation enthusiasm.
To illustrate the folly of spring forecasts one doesn't even have to search far. A hallway in the McFadden Building offers a cautionary tale with a wall-length copy of the Sports Illustrated cover that captured Perry Tuttle's catch against Nebraska in the 1982 Orange Bowl.
If one had stopped following Clemson football after spring practice in 1980 — when Andy Headen looked like a future all-ACC quarterback — and then peered at the magazine cover one would assume Headen had thrown the pass, earned Orange Bowl MVP honors, and delivered Clemson's only national title.
But it was Homer Jordan playing at quarterback Jan. 1, 1982, in Miami.
It was Jordan who tossed the pass to Tuttle; it was Jordan who won the job in the summer of '80, became a three-year starter at quarterback and earned Orange Bowl MVP honors.
But in the spring of 1980, Jordan was a
third-string quarterback, doubling as a defensive back.
Clemson coach Danny Ford wanted to have a starting quarterback decided, even if not announced publicly, and Headen was Ford's guy.
"I always wanted to have a guy going into the fall, especially at quarterback because he is the focus of the football team," Ford said. "(Headen) came out of spring and was ahead ... Homer was a very quiet kid we didn't know a lot him.''
Headen looked the part.
He was 6-5. He reminded some of former quarterback Steve Fuller. He had a strong arm. He ran like a tailback.
Headen was listed as the team's starting quarterback in the 1980 media guide, with this passage included in his bio: "The number-one quarterback heading into the fall drills ... won the job last spring with consistent performances in the scrimmages and a very good showing in the Orange & White game."
Headen led the White team to a come-from-behind 22-21 win in the spring game.
Six quarterbacks played in the game, but Headen was by far the best. He completed 10 of 18 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns.
Down 14-2, going into the final quarter, Headen hit Tuttle with 7-yard scoring pass and later struck Jerry Gaillard with a "65-yard bomb" setting up a 1-yard touchdown pass to Tuttle.
This was the assessment of Jordan in the 1980 media guide: "Saw action in the spring game at both quarterback and defensive back ... more than likely will be in the defensive secondary for the 1980 season. ... (In the spring game) gained 54 yards rushing was two of five passing for 31 yards, while making two tackles as a defensive back."
Despite Headen's performance, Jordan said he never felt like he was a backup.
"You have to act like you are No. 1," Jordan said. "I didn't take a whole lot from (the spring) ... it's a mixture of players."
It is that "mixture" of players Tuttle said often goes overlooked in spring competition.
"Andy Headen was playing with two starting receivers," Tuttle said. "And because we (Tuttle and Gaillard) had gotten so much playing time the year before we had really developed.
"The spring game is what it says it is. It is in the spring ... you have five or six months to get ready."
Ford agreed, saying the spring is not always the best evaluation period.
"You never know what you have," Ford said. "You might think your offense is really good, but your defense might be really behind."
Jordan's fortunes turned in the summer after he convinced the staff to keep him in the quarterback derby.
Tim Bourret, Clemson's sports information director, recalled a particular August scrimmage two weeks before the opener against Rice.
"Homer ran the option just beautifully," Bourret said. "I remember he had 189 yards rushing in that scrimmage and after the scrimmage coach (Ford) said 'Tim, don't put Homer's numbers in the paper,' cause he didn't know what he was going to do after what he witnessed that day."
Jordan, then a sophomore, went on to win the job. He led Clemson to a 6-5 record and retained the role in 1981 when he led Clemson to the No. 1 ranking.
With another quarterback race having begun 29 years later, just what would Jordan tell Korn and Parker to take from the spring, how would he advise Clemson Nation?
Said Jordan: "It's way too early."
Reach Travis Sawchik at tsawchik@postandcourier.com and check out his Clemson blog at www.postandcourier.com/blogs/tiger_tracks
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sbs920 (anonymous) says...
whoa whoa whoa. . . .
What about the "orange savior" willie crack korn? ? ?
Another 12-0 season on the way huh? LOL!
Way too early for this much of the orange kool-aid. . .
Parker hasn't even taken a snap in a real game. . .
Count FSU an GT as L's and go from there. . . .
May 11, 2009 at 9:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
softbatch (anonymous) says...
Maybe we should let coot fans predict whats gonna happen in this up coming season because you all nailed the outcome of the CU/USC game back in November.....right???
I guess the sting has worn off now and "wait til next year" has finally arrived. This is about the worst time of year to be a Tiger fan because now, we have to listen to stuff like....
"Spurrier has been stock-piling talent and he is now ready to attack the world."
"Garcia is the greatest football player i've ever seen."
"The 8 new coaches is whats gonna put us over the top."
"We'll never lose to Clemson again."
"We are going to contend for a SEC title."
"My mullett is blooming like azaleas at Augusta."
May 11, 2009 at 9:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
softbatch (anonymous) says...
Sorry, forgot....
31-14.
May 11, 2009 at 9:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
surfer (anonymous) says...
Talk about wait til next year, this whole article is filled with "wait til next year" propaganda. Tigers fans have been saying the same ole "coot logic, wait til next year" comments for years, but are blinded to the fact that they say the same things about their teams and what do they have to show for it but a dusty old trophy from the most corrupt era in the history of their program. Sure they own us in football, but that's really about it. You're not a nationally prominent program any more than we are, neither Kyle Parker nor Stephen Garcia will EVER be considered elite quarterbacks (maybe good, but not elite), and I've heard more "wait til next year" comments the past five years from Clemson fans than I've heard my entire life from Carolina fans. If you think I'm wrong refresh my memory, you were preseason number what and ?-? on paper last year alone?
Answer: preseason #9 and 12-0
True: 31-14, 3-1 vs SOS, 2 in a row... yada yada yada
Realistic Prediction: This year is a toss up. Both teams are going through virtually complete overhauls of their coaching staff and have similar talent returning OVERALL. It's too early to call when you're not even sure of your two deep.
May 11, 2009 at 12:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
softbatch (anonymous) says...
Yes, CU was preseason #9, but who put them there? The media, voters and the coaches, not us sitting in the stands. Spurrier voted CU pretty high last year, what does that say about your head coach?
May 11, 2009 at 2:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sbs920 (anonymous) says...
Boyd and his psycho-dad won't last long in Homerville. . .
Thats why alot of programs declined their scholarship offers to him. Good talent + Bad parents = problem child
May 11, 2009 at 2:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
robbybobby (anonymous) says...
willie crack corn and we don't care. run on down that silly hill and rub the rock. yawn.
May 11, 2009 at 6:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
surfer (anonymous) says...
You bring up a very good point softbatch, but I don't remember anybody, including yourself softbatch, being too reserved about the predictions the media made last year. You were coming off a season that had ended on a high note, and it was somewhat understandable to be up on your team and waving the "wait til next year" banner proudly. That's not my main point though. My main point was that the belief that only Carolina fans use the "wait til next year" line and the idea that we use it way more than other fans, especially Clemson fans, is pretty ridiculous.
May 11, 2009 at 8:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sonofmurderedfather (anonymous) says...
I think that Carolina fans are just so far in denial but will give it to them they are loyal losers. Both teams have gone through major coaching changes and will be interesting to see there turn around this upcoming year. Facts are facts and CU has (2) outstanding athletes at quarterback coming up; The best running back in the nation depending on how well the line matures and stays healthy, and an elusive receiving staff; defensively: the only question I have is at the SS and Free Safety position, the front four has some of the best athletes in the nation, hands down; anyone that knows football will tell you that, but how we use all this talent is the biggest question? I think the test is for Coach Swinney and staff because they cant complain about the talent at hand!
May 12, 2009 at 10:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
notafan (anonymous) says...
Given the last post how can Clemson not win it all???
Best RB in country is true but the QB and WR comments were funny.
When is Clemson going to step up with its scheduling. That has to be one of the weakest schedules in the country. Clemson must still be licking its wounds from that beat down from Alabama. How else can you replace a Alabama with Coastal Carolina??? Another glass of orange koolaid for everyone.
May 12, 2009 at 12:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cw218 (anonymous) says...
They replaced Alabama with TCU. Given the preseason ranking TCU should have (Alabama was 24th last year and TCU will be top 20), it is not that bad of a replacement.
May 12, 2009 at 12:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
softbatch (anonymous) says...
Time and time again the ACC is bashed on this site by Carolina fans, yet for the last 2 years and this upcoming year, the coots have 2 teams from the "weak" ACC on their schedule and yall want to question Clemson's schedule when all the Tigers do is schedule top 25 out of conference games (Bama, TCU, TXAM)??? Clemson also has UGA and Oklahoma(i believe) on future schedules.
May 12, 2009 at 1:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wanj (anonymous) says...
SBS, You know the Boyd's personally? I think you may want to be careful about throwing stones about a family you don't even know.
May 12, 2009 at 2:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BowmanTiger (anonymous) says...
Sure the Tigers have been way overrated in recent years by the media, no question about it. The schedule does not include Florida & Georgia every year, although it has been strengthened a bit with Bama and now TCU. However, the great thing about our rivalry is that, come every November, we get to tee it up and decide it on the field. We are all aware of how this usually turns out.
May 12, 2009 at 3:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
youmanyo (anonymous) says...
If we could remove the coots from our schedule and replace them with a better team like Vandy or Temple it would improve our schedule greatly.
May 12, 2009 at 6:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
notafan (anonymous) says...
Now Clemson nation is comparing TCU and Alabama together? Those two are even??? Please keep the laughs coming.
You don't always need to drink the entire cup of orange koolaid.
May 13, 2009 at 10:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cw218 (anonymous) says...
Final AP and USA Today rankings from last year: Alabama 6, TCU 7. TCU is a good team. Just because they dont play in the mighty SEC doesn't mean they aren't good. Maybe Alabama should have realized that before they got spanked by Utah. So quit drinking the SEC koolaid. Why do you brag about being the worst team in the best conference?
May 13, 2009 at 11:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
notafan (anonymous) says...
Keep drinking the kool aid cw218. You may want to read my post again. No mention of SEC just Alabama. And to say that TCU and Alabama are similar is a joke. Kind of like saying the ACC is a BCS conference.
Also I see nothing about bragging about Carolina and their rank in the SEC. You really ought to "READ" the post before you comment. You may surprise yourself.
And just for kicks how does Clemson rank in the ACC?? Please enlighten us...... And I would appreciate a actual response and not the same old "Carolina sucks" comments. Get some new material.
Does Clemson still have the woman beater playing safety this year????
May 13, 2009 at 2:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cw218 (anonymous) says...
Ok here you go. I realize Alabama has won 1000 championships but recently TCU has been comparable to Alabama. Look at the final polls at the end of the last 6 years. Both TCU and Alabama finished in the top 10 twice. Alabama only finished the year ranked those two times while TCU was ranked in the final poll 4 times (08, 06, 05, 03).
But if you want to judge teams solely on past performances which is what you are obviously doing with Alabama, then the answer to your question is Clemson ranks at the top of the ACC since they have more ACC Championships than any other school.
There no mention of Carolina, just facts. Also, I realize Clemson is no longer at the top of the ACC but that is how you are judging Alabama.
May 13, 2009 at 2:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
fjms (anonymous) says...
All I know is T.C.U. played Utah a lot closer the Bama (13-10) so I guess T.C.U. can't be that bad.
May 13, 2009 at 3 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BowmanTiger (anonymous) says...
No one said TCU and Alabama were comparable in terms of program history and overall championships won. What was said was that TCU does strengthen our schedule, just as adding the Alabama game did for last year's schedule. The above posts do reveal that TCU is actually a pretty darn good football team though.
As previously noted, Clemson and Carolina do actually get to play each other at the end of every season. Some notable material for you:
Since 1976, Clemson and Carolina have played each other 16 times in Columbia. Clemson is 13-3 in those games. Some scores from those games include... 29-13, 45-0, 41-24, 47-21, 63-17.
May 13, 2009 at 3:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
notafan (anonymous) says...
That must be some good damn kool aid. With that kind of reasoning posted above is there any wonder why we have a left wing liberal bed wetter running the country.
Okay Clemson nation you have tried unsuccessfully to favorable compare TCU now let's here your argument for Coastal Carolina?
I can't wait for this one.
May 13, 2009 at 4:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
softbatch (anonymous) says...
Clemson plays MTSU & CCU and Carolina plays SC State & Fla Atlantic. Almost every team in America has these "money" games and its been going on for years. We all know Carolina plays in the SEC and yall deserve a break from the beatings you take from teams like Vandy but even a Carolina fan smarter than a stapler knows why teams schedule cupcakes.
May 13, 2009 at 4:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cw218 (anonymous) says...
Everyone plays a few easy teams a year so there is no need to justify Coastal. Just like Carolina does not have to justify playing SC State. I'd rather not play 1-A teams but almost everyone does. I'll stop comparing Alabama and TCU since you obviously can't comprehend that.
But if you don't think TCU is a good team, then you either have never watched a game outside the SEC or just don't know college football. In either case I'm wasting my time.
May 13, 2009 at 6:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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