Under Dabo Swinney the Clemson football program has had the luxury of having mobile quarterbacks. As such, designed quarterback runs have been a staple of the Tigers offense. How will the quarterback factor into Clemson’s running game in 2017?
Majority of Clemson’s quarterbacks can create with their legs, to varying degrees. Kelly Bryant is far and away the most dangerous with his legs, followed by Zerrick Cooper and Hunter Johnson. Both Cooper and Johnson can extend plays here and there, but, I wouldn’t consider them a threat on the ground.
Over the past two seasons, designed QB runs have been a pivotal part of Clemson’s offense. Co-offensive coordinators, Jeff Scott and Tony Elliott leaned on Deshaun Watson’s legs in big games and short-yardage situations.
Film Review
This is an example of Clemson’s standard quarterback draw. The running back (Tyshon Dye) lines up on Watson’s left and crosses face to act as a lead blocker. The Tigers also pull, left guard Taylor Hearn. At the snap of the ball, Watson takes a false step to allow both blocks to develop.
Here is an example of Clemson’s fake toss, designed quarterback run. This is a great tendency breaker as the Tigers love to run the toss to the boundary. Watson takes his normal shuffle step, fakes the toss and cuts off of the butt of the pulling left guard.
Here is another example of the fake toss, with a slight variation. For starters, Clemson fakes the toss to the field. Also, there is no guard pulling, rather the Tigers zone block to the right and use tight end, Jordan Leggett as a lead blocker. Watson’s patience and vision allow this play to go for a huge gain.
Jeff Scott and Tony Elliott loved to use Watson in the redzone. Here the wide receiver motion serves as window dressing, it is basically an off tackle play. Running back Wayne Gallman serves as a lead blocker and he does a phenomenal job of sealing the edge. Watson does the rest.
Similar to the previous example, Clemson is lined up on the hash. They motion wide receiver, Artavis Scott from the boundary. It is important that they use Scott as the motion man, because they routinely use him on jet sweeps. The defense will be wary of the jet sweep, making them late to react to Watson’s designed QB run. That split second hesitation is enough for the Tigers to secure their blocks and Watson punches it in for the score.
2017
Should junior-to-be, Kelly Bryant earn the starting job coming out of fall camp, than designed quarterback runs will remain a staple of the Clemson offense in 2017. At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, Bryant is an explosive athlete capable of breaking the long one every time he touches the ball. That being said, Bryant must clean up his fundamentals as a passer if he hopes to become the starter.
The other quarterbacks on the roster are not as adept on the ground. As such, designed quarterback runs would be a smaller part of the Tigers offense in 2017. On the flip side, Johnson and Cooper are better passers than Bryant. There will have to be some give and take for the Tigers in 2017.
Next: 5 best defenses the Tigers will face in 2017