The quarterback who was Clemson's primary starter immediately before Deshaun Watson was Tajh Boyd.
Tajh Boyd: The Immediate Predecessor
Tajh Boyd served as Clemson's starting quarterback from the 2010 to 2013 seasons. During his tenure, Boyd was a prolific passer and a dynamic threat, consistently leading the Tigers' offense. He set numerous program records for passing yards, touchdowns, and total offense, leaving a significant mark on Clemson's football history. Boyd's successful career concluded after the 2013 season, directly preceding Deshaun Watson's arrival on campus in 2014, where Watson eventually took over the starting role.
Other Notable Clemson Quarterbacks
While Tajh Boyd was the direct predecessor, Clemson has a rich history of talented quarterbacks who played before Deshaun Watson. One such notable figure is Charlie Whitehurst, who preceded the era of players like Deshaun Watson, Trevor Lawrence, and Tajh Boyd.
Whitehurst's impressive tenure at Clemson spanned from 2002 to 2005. During this time, he distinguished himself as a prolific passer, achieving significant milestones. He became the program's all-time leader in passing yards at that time, accumulating a remarkable 9,665 passing yards. His consistent performance made him a standout player in Clemson's history.
To illustrate the timeline of these key quarterbacks before Deshaun Watson, consider the following:
| Quarterback | Primary Starting Tenure | Notable Achievement/Role |
|---|---|---|
| Charlie Whitehurst | 2002-2005 | Program's all-time leader in passing yards at the time (9,665 yards) |
| Tajh Boyd | 2010-2013 | Immediate predecessor to Deshaun Watson |
| Deshaun Watson | 2014-2016 | Led Clemson to National Championship |
