Swinney dishes on what Tigers are getting in transfer QB Paul Tyson

He might not see the sector typically subsequent season, however Paul Tyson is bringing a much-needed degree of expertise to Clemson’s quarterback room.

After taking part in at Alabama his first three years in faculty after which taking part in at Arizona State final season, Tyson formally transferred to Clemson final week.

With 4 years of school expertise beneath Tyson’s belt, head coach Dabo Swinney was more than pleased to dip his toes into the portal and land the veteran signal-caller.

Cade Klubnik will begin within the Orange Bowl on Friday and enters subsequent season because the assumed starter. Exterior of Klubnik, there isn’t quite a lot of expertise left, as DJ Uiagalelei and Billy Wiles transferred, and Hunter Johnson has no eligibility remaining.

So even with the approaching arrival of four-star signee Christopher Vizzina, in Swinney’s thoughts, Tyson will probably be an enormous addition to assist alleviate the transition interval.

“One of the vital prolific passers within the historical past of the state of Alabama popping out of highschool,” Swinney mentioned of Tyson final week. “Three years in Tuscaloosa, after which he spent this previous 12 months at Arizona State. With Billy Wiles leaving, and clearly DJ (Uiagalelei) leaving, we had a spot, so we would have liked to get a veteran man.”

As somebody who has performed beneath Nick Saban and has seen quite a bit by way of his years, Tyson has one thing Klubnik and Vizzina don’t — years of observe on the collegiate degree.

“We wanted an older man who’s been by way of plenty of recreation plans, plenty of practices, anyone who’s received a degree of maturity to him — a Hunter Johnson state of affairs. That’s what we want,” Swinney mentioned.

Serving as a backup his complete profession, Tyson accomplished 10 of 16 cross makes an attempt for 150 yards at Alabama in 2021. He didn’t full a cross final 12 months at Arizona State or throughout his first two years at Alabama.

Even with a scarcity of in-game expertise, Tyson had a suggestion within the portal from an SEC college to compete for the beginning job, in line with Swinney. As an alternative, he selected to be a graduate switch for the Tigers and will probably be eligible to play instantly.

“He had plenty of alternative. I’m grateful that he selected to come back be a component and embrace the function that we’ve got for him right here,” Swinney mentioned.

Though Swinney mentioned he wasn’t trying so as to add a beginning quarterback, he believes Tyson will carry super worth to the Tigers’ program.

The nice-grandson of legendary Alabama head coach Bear Bryant, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound quarterback has soccer in his blood and may benefit significantly from serving as a player-coach subsequent season.

“He values who we’re right here,” Swinney added. “I feel he’s additionally a man that wishes to teach sooner or later. I feel he noticed this as one of the best of each worlds for him — to be an ideal teammate, to be prepared and to assist these younger guys develop and mature. He’s seen quite a bit. He’s been round some nice gamers, and he’s been round some nice coaches.”