After D.J. Uiagalelei, Clemson depth chart has concerns at quarterback

CLEMSON — Dabo Swinney and the Clemson Tigers didn’t expect to be in this position at quarterback just a couple of weeks ago.

The plan all along was for Trevor Lawrence to be a three-and-done player, with sophomore D.J. Uiagalelei stepping into the lineup to create a seamless transition for the offense to maintain elite quarterback play. That is still on the table, but the rest of the options are all of a sudden very thin.

Expected backup Taisun Phommachanh tore his achilles in the spring game, and now the Tigers have some major questions at the sport’s most important position. Currently, the Tigers have just one other quarterback on the roster and that happens to be a walk-on. Two freshmen are scheduled to enroll this summer, but both could turn pro in baseball instead.

To begin our offense post-spring depth chart series at ClemsonSports.com, we’re breaking down how things currently sit for the Tigers behind center and what possibly needs to happen for the program to improve the depth situation at quarterback.

Clemson starter

D.J. Uiagalelei: There is not much of a starter battle going on within Brandon Streeter’s position room. After throwing for 914 yards as a true freshman, the keys to the car have been handed to Uiagalelei. The former top-10 recruit out of Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco has extremely high expectations to live up to in 2021.

At 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, Uiagalelei has a huge frame with a monster right arm to distribute the football. Against Notre Dame, the young phenom showed off all of that immense potential by throwing for 439 yards and posting 9.98 yards per attempt against one of the best defenses in college football. Everything is there for the new Clemson quarterback to become a superstar at the college level. Now Uiagalelei is trying to take hold of the leadership aspect.

“I’m trying to be a leader for the guys, be a voice and just be out there and be the leader of the offense,” Uiagalellei told reporters earlier this spring. “I’m trying to be a little bit more vocal this year, trying to be that guy, be that leader. I want to be the most accountable guy on the team.”

Who is next?

Hunter Helms is suddenly Clemson’s next best option at quarterback. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Hunter Helms: Helms arrived on campus last year as a walk-on quarterback from Columbia. Despite having scholarship offers from both South Florida and Troy, Helms decided to take his swing within an elite college football program.

That is currently looking like a pretty good decision.

After completing 11 of 16 passes for 88 yards in the spring game, Helms will enter the summer as the No. 2 quarterback for Tony Elliott’s offense. The young player played in three games last season and tossed two touchdowns in the blowout victory over Georgia Tech.

All of a sudden, the in-state prospect has a huge opportunity and could get a fair amount of playing time in 2021.

The Clemson security blankets

Clemson QB signee Bubba Chandler might just end up playing baseball. (Matt Connolly/ClemsonSports.com)

Bubba Chandler: Chandler is a top-500 prospect in the class of 2021 who brings dual-threat ability to the football field. The 6-foot-4 quarterback can consistently make plays on the move and can make a plethora of off-platform throws from many different arm angles. However, Chandler may not go the college route.

Will Taylor: Taylor is the lowest-ranked recruit in Clemson’s 2021 class, but the Dutch Fork High athlete has some legit playmaking ability. Last year, Taylor rushed for 400 yards while passing for over 2,000 yards with 32 total touchdowns. However, Taylor is starting at quarterback but could end up playing a different position. He’s also a potential MLB draft pick.

Transfer Portal: There are still many quarterbacks looking for homes. Clemson now has a big void to fill, but not as a starter. The Tigers could visit the portal for additional depth but finding a legitimate option could be tough with no starting time to sell.