Sunday, Nov. 01, 2009

Commentary: Korn's story still unwritten

CLEMSON -- As backup quarterback Willy Korn took the offensive reins early in the third quarter Saturday, the dreary skies parted and sunshine burst across Death Valley.

Had the scene occurred either of the two previous seasons, there probably would have been Clemson fans who would have dropped to their knees because of the potentially fulfilling symbolism.

Instead, the 49-3 romp of Coastal Carolina was another rare cameo appearance for the sun and prodigal son - the latter of which deserved to finally bask in the glow of the former.

"It was an opportunity to show people I can still play," Korn said. "Because in the limited opportunities I have gotten to play this year, there hasn't been a whole lot to show for it."

As Korn guided the Tigers to three third-quarter touchdowns in as many drives, it was hard not to wonder whether the performance will wind up his swan song at Memorial Stadium - and, at that, a bittersweet conclusion to his high-profile Clemson romance.

Given how the season has unfolded, the question no longer figures to be whether Korn will transfer. Or why.

But where. And how soon, considering the redshirt sophomore would theoretically want to spend spring practice with his new team, yet he is on track to already graduate from Clemson in May.

It seems justifiably absurd to be discussing the second-string quarterback to kick off a week in which the Tigers (5-3, 3-2 ACC) square off against the most challenging opponent - Florida State (4-4, 2-3) - standing in their way from finally winning the Atlantic Division and reaching the league championship game.

Yet there is not a college player in this state who generates the reader interest or seemingly stirs the passionate debate than Korn does. Which makes his potential fade into the sunset all the more significant.

For the record, Korn maintains he has not plotted out his future and will not until after the season has run its course. He playfully scoffed at conjecture he has looked into Appalachian State or Gardner-Webb as possible Football Championship Subdivision destinations.

That's the noble and appropriate approach to take.

Five weeks ago, it became clear through their respective comments that Korn and coach Dabo Swinney had not been on the same page about whether Korn was specifically guaranteed playing time in every contest this year.

Korn said he approached Swinney shortly thereafter, and the two clarified their positions. He has been used in five of Clemson's eight contests, the other three all close outcomes that went to the wire.

"I knew the games I hadn't gotten into, why I hadn't gotten into them," Korn said. "Anybody who's a competitor at all, if you're a backup, you're not happy with your role. But I understand what my role is, so I went and talked with him to clear everything up. I wasn't [ticked] off at him or anything.

"Maybe earlier in the year it was frustrating because you think to January and how long you've been busting your butt. But right now I'm just kind of enjoying it, trying to take every practice and continue getting as good as I possibly can be. So that when I do get opportunities, I can make the most of it and enjoy it. It's been a lot easier that way."

To be fair, Korn's story might be far from over, even at Clemson. He's one injury away from being handed the keys to the car.

Here is what can safely surmise: He was beaten out by a supremely talented Kyle Parker in the offseason, for which there should be no shame. And all signs currently suggest the gap has widened, as much for what Parker brings to the table as what Korn might not. That doesn't even account for how freshman Tajh Boyd could factor into the mix next spring.

It would be fascinating to see how Korn's career would have unfolded if, in the fifth game of the 2007 season, Tommy Bowden would have pulled rank and inserted Korn for Cullen Harper during the teams struggle at Georgia Tech, as two sources have said Bowden desired.

Regardless, the amazing part is that six years after Korn exploded onto the recruiting radar, he could leave his dream school with there being no real closure for how he would fare on the major college football landscape.