Clemson football: QB depth is a problem that the transfer portal could solve

Clemson football could be at a point of no return when it comes to quarterbacks – a position that it is has not been in since 2014.

For most of the last 20 years, Clemson football has been very fortunate when it comes to the quarterback room. The Tigers have had elite starters like Woody Dantzler, Charlie Whitehurst, Kyle Parker, Deshaun Watson, Tajh Boyd, and Trevor Lawrence.

Looking at the depth chart over the last 20 years, the Tigers still had talent like Willie Simmons, Kyle Parker, Will Proctor, Zerrick Cooper, and Kelly Bryant to name a few. While none of these guys were elite starters, you at least felt good that they were on the roster and provided some depth.

Clemson football doesn’t have quarterback depth in 2021

Clemson football head coach Dabo Swinney loves to play the “we believe we can win with all of our quarterbacks” game. While he is correct, they can win games with any quarterback on the roster, they cannot and will not win a title unless presumptive 2021 starter DJ Uiagalelei is on the field.

Depth was already going to be an issue but when potential backup up Taisun Phommachanh tore his Achilles at the end of the spring game, that depth took a huge hit. The only other quarterback that is currently enrolled at Clemson is walk-on Hunter Helms – though he has looked much better than Phommachanh over the last 18 months.

Clemson football was hoping to add both Will Taylor and Bubba Chandler this summer, though it is very unlikely at this point.

Just like his football recruiting, Chandler has come out of nowhere and skyrocketed up MLB Draft boards. He is currently seen as a kid that could go as high as the Top 10 in the July event. If that indeed does happen, there is zero chance that he ever steps foot on the field at Clemson.

Will Taylor will also more than likely be drafted, though it won’t be near the top of the draft. Taylor was also recruited and signed as an athlete and while the Clemson football roster currently lists him as a quarterback, that does not mean he is good enough to be a college quarterback at this level.

While the Tigers do not need a starter, they do need depth. Head coach Dabo Swinney would be smart to recruit the transfer portal and take advantage of the new rule that allows for guys to transfer one time and be eligible immediately.

His refusal not to could hinder the Tigers’ ability to win their fourth national championship in 2021, should something unfortunate happen to Uiagalelei on the field.