Clemson football head coach Dabo Swinney believes quarterback Tait Reynolds possesses traits that Tim Tebow had
Clemson football can survive one catastrophic season, but this fan base will not tolerate a second straight year of irrelevance. A week and a half removed from a humiliating 51-10 loss versus LSU, the Tigers are at a crossroads entering ACC play. They need direction, and an on-field leader who can bring stability. A Tim Tebow type would fit perfectly.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney spent time with the eventual Florida Gators legend, Heisman Trophy winner and two-time national champion, and he believes that freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds boasts similar traits.
“I hate to even say it, but I recruited Tebow – so physically, he’s just gifted like that,” Swinney said, per The Clemson Insider’s Gavin Oliver. “And Tebow was a multi-sport star, and Tim was a very, very tough, gritty competitor. I’m not saying he’s Tim Tebow – please don’t say that and write that. … I’m just saying he’s physically gifted like that.”
Fans criticize Swinney’s ability to adapt, but he sure knows how to instill confidence in his 19-year-old QB. Reynolds, who also excels at baseball, completed 16-of-27 passes for 178 yards in the Tigers’ 22-7 win over Georgia Southern. He also ran the ball 14 times, displaying the willingness to contribute in multiple ways. Good athletes have decent foundations to build upon, so perhaps the 6-foot-2 Reynolds can give Clemson a jolt.
Dabo Swinney is not asking him to be Tim Tebow as a player, but he could definitely use No. 15’s competitive fire and leadership skills. Tebow’s unshakeable faith could also come in handy, because young Tait Reynolds is set to battle a Bill Belichick-coached defense in Saturday afternoon’s home game versus North Carolina.
Fans will ideally get a clearer sense of where Clemson football is going by day’s end.
Clemson football can survive one catastrophic season, but this fan base will not tolerate a second straight year of irrelevance. A week and a half removed from a humiliating 51-10 loss versus LSU, the Tigers are at a crossroads entering ACC play. They need direction, and an on-field leader who can bring stability.