Proctor set to make Clemson fans forget Whitehurst

By Connor Byrne  |   Wednesday, May 24, 2006  |  Comments( 3 )

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For the first time in four years, the Clemson Tigers are readying themselves for a future without their former starting quarterback, Charlie Whitehurst. In the now permanent absence of their ex-four-year starter, who is now with the NFL's San Diego Chargers, the Tigers will be starting senior Will Proctor. In his time at Clemson, Proctor has sat patiently behind Whitehurst as the team's backup QB. Now, his day in the sun has finally arrived. And what a great feeling it is for the 22-year-old Florida native.

Prior to the 2005 season, Proctor took just six career snaps for the Tigers. However, his action got a little less rare in last year's campaign, as he fired a total of 31 in-game passes. That's not necessarily a major chunk of action for the youngster, but it's better than what he was accustomed to up to that point.

Luckily for Proctor, he was able to actually start a game last year as well. Thanks to Whitehurst's bad shoulder, the reins were handed to Proctor in a November contest against one of Clemson's ACC rivals, Duke. In that game Proctor played quite admirably, completing 13-of-21 passes for 221 yards and a pair of touchdowns through the air. Not only did Proctor perform well vertically, but he also rushed for 31 yards and another touchdown, demonstrating his ability to be a dual threat from the QB position.

Although many are questioning Proctor as a full-time starter, he likely has what it takes to become the new leader of Tommy Bowden's squad. On Proctor's side is the fact that he's had an opportunity to sit back for an extended period of time and learn the Tigers' offense. Of course, the best learning for a quarterback is done on the field, but it never hurts to absorb some valuable insight from the offensive coaching staff, led by its coordinator, Rob Spence.

Also in Proctor's favor is the fact that Whitehurst was by no means a great player at Clemson. While it's true he was a terrific leader and never had a great deal of talent around him, he often performed inadequately. In his four seasons as the Tigers' offensive leader, Whitehurst threw 49 touchdown passes and 46 interceptions. Those numbers include a terrible 2004 season, when the signal-caller heaved just seven touchdowns, while more than doubling that number with 17 picks. Therefore, as far as numbers go, Proctor won't have a difficult act to follow.

As usual, the Clemson Tigers will be an ACC contender next season, as long as Proctor can perform adequately at the quarterback position. He hasn't seen much playing time in his career, but the 6-2, 210-pounder has a golden opportunity to make the Tiger faithful forget about Whitehurst. He'll only have one year to do it, so he better run roughshod over most opposing secondaries next season. If not, the Tigers' 8-4 mark from last year could be difficult to duplicate or improve upon.

--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com

Get more Will Proctor insights at Realfootball365.com
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CommentsComments: 3  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
Joe Darnell		12:30 AM
06/01/2006
Charlie had no time, no running game, and no recievers that would actually catch the ball in 2004. And how about Charlie's 49...
No.2
tlw		09:55 AM
06/02/2006
I am looking forward to Wiill Proctor playing this year. He should have played more last year and maybe we would have won a few...
No.3
brandon		04:28 PM
11/25/2006
Will Proctor should have never been allowed in a Clemson uniform. He has cost the tigers talented team so much this year. I say...
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