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Texas A&M and Clemson were both a quarterback away from College Football Playoff contention in 2021. Instead, they were limited by finishing in the bottom third nationally in passing efficiency, passing yards and completion percentage. However, their respective spring games revealed that new roster additions are ready to quickly shake up the quarterback competitions.
All eyes were on Clemson over the weekend as the No. 1 overall pro-style quarterbacks from the 2020 and 2022 recruiting classes faced off. Junior D.J. Uiagalelei was disappointing in his first season as a starter last year, and he completed 47% of his passes in the spring game while relying mostly on check-downs.
Early-enrollee Cade Klubnik pushed Uiagalelei on Saturday, connecting on 15 of 23 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown in his first real action while showing off an impressive arm. He would have connected on more pinpoint passes down the field if not for some drops. The offensive staff seemed comfortable putting his talents on full display, and he showed a strong connection with tight end Jake Briningstool.
Down in College Station, Aggies incumbent Zach Calzada transferred to Auburn and Jimbo Fisher took in his first quarterback transfer since arriving at Texas A&M. Redshirt sophomore Haynes King won the quarterback battle out of camp in 2021, but the former Texas 6A high school state football champion was overshadowed by two new additions to the quarterback room this offseason.
LSU transfer Max Johnson…
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