CLEMSON, S.C. --- Redshirt freshman Kyle Parker feels more confident and assertive in his first week as Clemson's starting quarterback. Imagine how much better it will be once he learns to handle the Tigers' traditional pre-game entrance.
The Tigers' strong-armed thrower will debut Sept. 5 against Middle Tennessee and said he's already grown since coach Dabo Swinney's decision -- particularly in his teammates' eyes.
"I think the guys are expecting me to make plays and manage the offense," Parker said Sunday. "I can tell they're already looking at me to do that."
His first hurdle could be the team's run down the hill into Death Valley. He recalls the adreneline rush that came when he raced over the grassy incline after rubbing Howard's Rock last fall and thought, "Man, if I was playing now, I wouldn't know what to do."
Clemson expects to have a more mature offensive line and one of the country's most electric playmakers in tailback C.J. Spiller. Parker understands without a cool head in control, the Tigers could struggle as much as they did at the start of last season, including a 34-10 loss to Alabama when the team rushed for zero yards.
Parker doesn't expect that to happen this year.
"We have talent on our offense. It's just a matter of time for those guys to get game experience," Parker said. "I think guys are going to step up."
Parker was one of the country's top five quarterbacks his senior year at Bartram Trail High School and was recruited by Florida State, Georgia and Nebraska.
Senior receiver Jacoby Ford thinks Parker has shown poise and polish during workouts, along with a fearless attitude about fitting the ball into spots others wouldn't dare try.
If the ball is supposed land in your hands, expect it to show up, Jacoby said.
"He's got a personality to him that you don't see in many other quarterbacks," Ford said.
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