Every week we're giving out the proverbial game ball to college football's top player of the week and then having a quick break down on the player's prospects in the NFL.
After a shaky start to his sophomore season, Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd has rapidly progressed throughout the season. His game against North Carolina was marvelous, and maybe good enough to put him in the Heisman Trophy conversation.
Against the Tar Heels Saturday, Boyd was 27 of 46 for 367 yards and five touchdown passes. He ran for another score. On paper, his 58.7 completion percentage isn't impressive, but his receivers dropped several catchable throws.
The five touchdowns came to five different receivers on all different types of throws. On the season, Boyd now has 30 total touchdowns (25 passing) and just three interceptions.
Game ball of the week: Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson
Because he’s only a true sophomore, Boyd isn’t eligible for the NFL Draft until 2013. As a prospect, though, he has a lot of positive tools. his touchdown strike to junior tight end Brandon Ford was as good of a throw as you’ll see at any level of football. In was a 12-yard, back shoulder bullet placed where only Ford could make a play.
Ball placement is Boyd’s biggest strength. On a lot of his completions, Boyd was either hitting his receiver in stride or putting it in a spot where only his teammates could make a play. A lot of the credit for Clemson’s success rightfully goes to freshman wide receiver Sammie Watkins and the team’s spread formation. But without Boyd’s precision, it wouldn’t be as successful.
Boyd is definitely a player to watch in terms of his draft position next season. He has a lot of positive tools, so it will be fun to follow his development.
