Tait Reynolds has impressed at times during his true freshman season with Clemson. While it has been mostly through the air, his legs should become a larger part of his game. Reynolds' dual-threat playmaking abilities were raved about all offseason, but have not been on display in the first half of the season. Clearly, Dabo Swinney wants Chad Morris to call Reynolds' number a bit more this year.
"He can fly. He's running a little, but he's had a fumble or two. He's a little tentative, but we need his legs to be a difference... He doesn't run well -- he runs elite," Swinney said of Reynolds' mobility. "He's got elite speed, and we haven't really seen that yet. We've seen him extend and create and escape, but we haven't seen him take a game over with his legs like he can. I think that's the next step for him."
This season, Reynolds has only 61 yards on 55 carries. While sacks have factored into that dismal average, that still does not change the fact that he needs more than 1.1 yards per carry. Clearly, he is Clemson's second most reliable runner behind only lead back Gideon Davidson. With Chris Johnson Jr. and others not having answered the bell as good change-of-pace backs, it has fallen on Reynolds.
Dabo on wanting more from Reynolds: "He's got elite speed and we haven't really seen that yet. We've seen him extend and create and escape, but we really haven't seen him take a game over with his legs like he can. I think that's the next step for him" https://t.co/1U6JCelWob
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) October 14, 2026
Tait Reynolds has to become a reliable runner in second half for Clemson
What we have seen out of Reynolds so far has been, effectively, muted positivity. Yes, we can all see that he can make throws nobody else on this roster can. He is building up a nice rapport with his trio of wide receivers: Tyler Brown, TJ Moore, and Bryant Wesco Jr. While he has no issues handing the ball off to Davidson, the offense has tended to stall out whenever Reynolds decides to tuck it and run.
It comes back to two things. Either Clemson's offensive line needs to block better, or Morris needs to call more well-designed runs to give this true freshman quarterback more confidence. Yes, he has put it on the ground a few times, but that is what you sign up for in starting a true freshman quarterback. While the game is starting to slow down for him as a passer, let us open up the run a bit for Reynolds!
What this will do is force defenses to respect the run whenever Davidson is not out on the field. The Tigers could become more multi-dimensional on offense the rest of the way. Unlocking Reynolds' legs can be a big part of that. Not only can they help extend plays, but they could also open up paths for him to throw the ball to his wide receivers more, as well as getting the tight ends more involved.
Ultimately, if Morris wants to approach 40 combined carries in a game, he must make sure Davidson can get his 20 touches, Reynolds his dozen, and so on. By having Reynolds become a more impactful player in the rushing attack, that will also keep Davidson fresher. It will help wear down the opposing defensive line. Clemson's offensive line is far better at road blocking than in pass protection anyway.
As soon as Reynolds can make defenders miss with the ball in his hands, this offense could take off.
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