Clemson Tigers post-spring game grades: Quarterback
The Clemson Tigers recently held their annual Orange and White game. Here is how the quarterbacks graded out.
B+. Passing: 13-19 for 94 yds, 1 TD. QB. Clemson Tigers. TUCKER ISRAEL
Believe it or not, Tucker Israel was the most consistent throughout the Tigers Orange and White game. Israel is undoubtedly the least talked about quarterback on the current roster, but, his play would suggest otherwise.
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Israel had the highest completion percentage out of all of the quarterbacks, however, many of his throws were no longer than 10 yards down the field. It will be interesting to see how Israel factors into the quarterback race when fall camp arrives.
B-. Passing: 11-18 for 81 yards, 1 INT. QB. Clemson Tigers. ZERRICK COOPER
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Zerrick Cooper had his bright spots throughout the Orange and White game, showing good velocity on the football and mobility. That being said, Cooper was inconsistent when throwing the ball down the field. It appeared as if he was forcing the ball on deeper throws, especially on the lone interception that he threw. Cooper made some questionable decisions with the football at times, which stems from his inexperience on the college level.
If Cooper can get a handle on his deep-ball accuracy, he will be a strong contender in Clemson’s quarterback race.
Passing: 4-13 for 43 yards, 1 INT<br />Rushing: 12 carries for 66 yards. QB. Clemson Tigers. KELLY BRYANT. C
Kelly Bryant’s accuracy issues reared their ugly head in the Orange and White game. It’s important to acknowledge that Bryant did injure a ligament in his throwing hand, however, accuracy has always been an issue with him.
See more: Clemson Tigers Have Perfect Problem at Quarterback
Despite his issues throwing the ball, Bryant was able to effectively move the offense down the field because of his ability as a runner. I’ll be honest, he reminds me of Cam Newton when he was at Auburn from a build and athleticism standpoint.
Passing: 5-13 for 48 yards, 1 TD. QB. Clemson Tigers. HUNTER JOHNSON. C
Hunter Johnson was impressive considering this was his first live action at the collegiate level. That being said, he struggled to handle snaps at times and appeared confused pre-snap on a few instances.
Johnson did manage to have the best throw of the afternoon on a fade route to sophomore, Diondre Overton.
From the outside looking in, the Clemson Tigers quarterback race is still wide-open at this point in the offseason. It will be interesting to see how the competition heats up once the players return from the summer. Kelly Bryant will have time to heal his injured pinky tendon, while Johnson and Cooper will have nearly 3 months to digest the playbook.
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There will also be one more name added to the race in 2017 signee Chase Brice. Brice has a quick release and is ultra accurate. While he is certainly behind in the competition, anything is possible in the game of football.