Former Clemson three-year starting quarterback Tajh Boyd is back in South Carolina, helping the Tigers prepare for Ohio State in the College Football Playoff.
Clemson had @TajhB10 practicing at scout team QB today, playing the role of Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett
— Gene Sapakoff (@Sapakoff) December 16, 2016
Boyd’s been in the NFL and CFL since leaving Clemson after the 2013 season. His college size and mobility were similar to J.T. Barrett’s, whose running is one of OSU’s biggest threats. Boyd also led the Tigers to an Orange Bowl win over the Buckeyes in his final college game, putting up 505 total yards.
But wait, you can use alumni on your scout team?
Absolutely. Alabama did it plenty this season, with Blake Sims, Trent Richardson, and others.
One funny thing about this being used in preparation for Ohio State: Urban Meyer found out a few weeks ago that this is within NCAA rules. Here was his reaction when reporters told him about it.
Clemson was the subject of some creative pre-Playoff planning by Alabama last year, when early enrollee (and eventual 2016 starter) Jalen Hurts played the role of Deshaun Watson in practice.