Sports Passion The Magazine Volume 1, Issue 3 (February 2014) | Page 17

Rebuilding The Clemson Tigers’ Offense College football teams are forced to deal with heavy amounts of turnover. There is no finding a starting quarterback and holding onto him for a decade or more. Any star player will be with you for a maximum of four years. Usually the lifespan of a strong starter is only half that. The result of that is an inevitable fluctuation in fortunes. Such a fluctuation might just be about to hit the Clemson Tigers as they face an offseason where they will need to replace star wide receiver Sammy Watkins and record setting QB Tajh Boyd. Watkins has been one of college football’s most exciting offensive players over the past two seasons. His 1464 yard, 12 touchdown campaign in 2013 was crucial in ensuring that the Tigers didn’t bemoan the loss of top 2012 receiver DeAndre Hopkins. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr has already suggested that Watkins could go as high as second overall in the upcoming NFL draft and there seems little doubt that his dynamic presence will be seriously missed in Clemson next season. The news that Martavis for this spring’s draft will further. Bryant may not be a undoubtedly a player who more effective and consistent season. The loss of his the offense will be Bryant will also be declaring damage the receiving corps top prospect, but he was could have emerged as a presence for Clemson next experience and talent from disappointing for this school. The departure of a couple of important faces from the receiving corps is one thing, but the loss of a record setting WR Martavis Bryant vs Ohio State during 2014 Discover Bowl Championship Game quarterback in Tajh Boyd is likely to be the factor that prevents another strong season from Clemson. Boyd contributed 11 passing touchdowns and Page | 17