Clemson following Alabama’s lead using former QB in bowl practice
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Alabama made headlines throughout the 2016 season for using former players, including Trent Richardson, Blake Sims and John Parker Wilson, with its scout team in preparation for various games. Now Dabo Swinney appears to be following in Nick Saban’s lead.
Reports say that former Clemson QB Tajh Boyd worked with the Tigers scout team Friday to simulate Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett during Fiesta Bowl practice.
Clemson had @TajhB10 practicing at scout team QB today, playing the role of Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett
— @sapakoff (@Sapakoff) December 16, 2016
If Alabama takes care of business against Washington in the Peach Bowl, Saban will likely look at his options to help the Crimson Tide prepare for Deshaun Watson or J.T. Barrett in the College Football Playoff championship game. The NCAA allows for former players to work with the scout team, as long as it is not publicized beforehand and the amount of time with the former player is limited.
Ohio State coach Urban Meyer was famously surprised to learn of the rule when the Alabama practices were referenced in a November press conference.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
