Phommachanh shows ‘drastic’ improvement, coach says

The freshman who came to Clemson lauded as the top player from Connecticut and the eight-best pocket passer in the nation has made big gains in the Tigers' offense since taking the field in practice this spring, according to assistant coach Brandon Streeter.

“I'm very pleased with Taisun,” Streeter said about Taisun Phommachanh. “Like a lot of freshmen when they come in, in the spring, they have to try to learn the offense on their own before we start spring practice. Because, we're not allowed to meet with them until spring ball starts. So, he was swimming a lot in the spring trying to keep his head above water and just try to learn the offense as fast as possible, which is typical.”

Describing Phommachanh as “fast” and “elusive,” Streeter said the quarterback became more confident as spring practices progressed.

“His improvement from day one of spring to day 15 was drastic,” Streeter said. “And that was very, very exciting for me to watch.”

During the spring game in April, Phommachanh played backup in the White team’s 30-10 win against the Orange team. Phommachanh went 8-for-14 for 85 yards and an interception.

Streeter said that as players learn the offense and become more comfortable behind center, their passing game typically becomes more accurate and efficient.

“That’s what he did in the spring,” the coach said. “Then, like I said, the spring game — I was impressed with his poise factor, you know? He (hadn’t played) in front of more than 500 people before. So, we went in the spring game and played in front of whatever it was, 60,000 people.”

“... He's working, and he's going to be ready,” he added. “(I’m) just excited about his progress.”