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Clemson Football: 5 position battles to watch during 2017 spring game

By Jerran Anderson

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) celebrates with defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) celebrates with defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 9, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) after faking the pass during the first quarter of the spring game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) after faking the pass during the first quarter of the spring game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Quarterback

First, there was quarterback Tajh Boyd, who left back in 2013. Then came quarterback Deshaun Watson, who after two ACC Championships and a College Football National Championship victory, is off to the NFL Draft. Now, the Clemson Tigers need a new starting quarterback for 2017.

The good thing is Clemson has plenty of quarterbacks to choose from; four to be exact. Each of them has a chance to prove themselves this spring. The transition shouldn’t be too difficult, especially with depth on the offensive line.

Related Story: Clemson Football: 5 breakout candidates to watch this spring

Kelly Bryant participated with the first team in the Tigers second spring scrimmage. He threw 8-of-14 completions for 94 passing yards. Freshman quarterback Hunter Johnson, an early enrollee, threw for 110 passing yards and a score.

Zerrick Cooper and Tucker Israel also took reps at quarterback, but none stood out more than Johnson. Entering their spring game, Johnson could be a name to watch as the 2017 season approaches.

Granted, Bryant and Israel are the only quarterbacks with actual on-field experience. But Johnson’s early arrival certainly speeds up the process a bit.

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