After bursting onto the scene last year during Clemson's first eight games of the season, quarterback Tajh Boyd admitted to The (South Carolina) State this week that he became complacent toward the end of the year and gained roughly 15 pounds.
After a weak finish to last season -- Boyd threw nine interceptions to match his nine touchdowns during Clemson's last four games of 2011 -- the redshirt junior is ready to rebound and has put in the necessary work during the offseason. After shooting up to 235 pounds last season, Boyd has altered his diet and now weighs 220 pounds heading into Clemson's season opening game against Auburn.
"For us to be successful, everybody has to play their part," Boyd told The State. "For me, being overweight is like playing with 10 people instead of 11. I have to be in the best shape possible for us to be the offense we can be."
Boyd's offseason makeover, which included both physical and mental aspects, included a positive shift in attitude, the addition of more team leadership responsibilities and a trip to George Whitefield's quarterback academy in California.
"The team morale is based on how the coaches and the quarterback act," Boyd told The State. "If you're out there pouting, [your teammates] are like, ‘We've got nothing left. It's a wrap.' So, staying positive is big."
For more on Boyd, and Clemson football in general, head over to Shakin' the Southland.