Clemson benches D.J. Uiagaleleli: Get to know new starting QB Taisun Phommachanh

The Clemson Tigers have turned to Taisun Phommachanh to lead their offense against the Pittsburgh Panthers.

Dabo Swinney has apparently seen enough out of quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. The Clemson Tigers head coach is benching his struggling starting quarterback in favor of Taisun Phommachanh as Clemson trails the Pittsburgh Panthers.

Phommachanh has been Uiagalelei’s backup as the latter entered the season with a ton of Heisman hype. However, Uiagalelei’s play has been less than stellar, so the Tigers made the choice to make a change.

So, who is Phommachanh?

Clemson Tigers bench DJ Uiagalelei in favor of Taisun Phommachanh

The 6-foot-3, 225-pound redshirt sophomore quarterback came to Clemson from Bridgeport, Connecticut. He arrived as a member of the 2019 recruiting class and ended up playing sparingly during that season. He was a four-star recruit that was the No. 4 dual-threat recruit, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings. He was not regarded the same way that the player he is replacing was as a recruit.

In total, Phommachanh has played in nine games, prior to this contest with Pitt. Phommachanh entered into the game having thrown completed 18-of-39 passes for 148 yards and one touchdown against three interceptions throughout his career.

Phommachanh is now getting significant playing action after previously tearing his Achilles tendon during Clemson’s 2021 spring game.

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