Clemson Football: Hunter Helms locked up third-string QB spot

Does Clemson football have a new third-string quarterback?

There’s been an impressive backup QB over the course of the early portion of this season that Clemson football fans need to recognize.

Though he is a walk-on, Hunter Helms has been absolutely impressive during his playing time this season for Clemson football and he’ll likely be considered the third-string QB for the Tigers as we move forward. It was announced following Clemson’s 73-7 win over Georgia Tech Saturday that current third-stringer Taisun Phommachanh had broken his hand and it was unsure if he’d be able to continue playing the position or not.

But even if Phommachanh had not been injured, the truth of the matter is that Helms should be considered the third-stringer simply based off their performances this season.

Helms is a serviceable backup QB for Clemson football

Here’s a comparison of the numbers between Helms and Phommachanh following the Georgia Tech game.

• Phommachanh: 5-of-17 (29.9 percent) for 17 yards and 1 INT
• Helms: 7-of-9 (77.8 percent) for 75 yards and 2 TDs, O INTs.

It’s not just about the numbers, though. When you look at the two play the position, Helms just looks more comfortable running the offense despite being a freshman. He throws a much more accurate pass and the offense is able to be spread out with him on the field because he is threat to throw the ball down.

It’s not to say that Helms has an NFL-caliber arm or anything like that, it’s just that he is throwing with more power and much more accuracy than Phommachanh.

We do hope that Phommachanh recovers quickly and that he’s able to come back out, showcase his skill set and allow all of us to see why he was so highly-touted coming in, but right now it should be Helms who is listed as the third-stringer.