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The Clemson Tigers are pulling out all the stops in their attempts to improve the kicking game. Through three weeks of the college football season, the position has been lacking.
The Tigers have missed three of their four field goal attempts, as well as an extra point. The letdown has led to an unforeseen move.
According to Larry Williams of Tiger Illustrated, Dabo Swinney reportedly reached out to a former Clemson player to come back to the team. Retired from the game after last season, kicker Jonathan Weitz received a surprise phone call from his former head coach this week.
Weitz, while having left the team last year, is still enrolled at the school and is taking online classes in Charleston, SC. He will apparently have an opportunity to compete for the starting role throughout the rest of the season.
OK, this is WILD: Former backup kicker Jonathan Weitz, who graduated Clemson last year and was done with football, is back with the team. He was taking online graduate courses from his home in Charleston. Dabo called him Sunday. Here’s the story:https://t.co/rsXDFQ5Avm
— Larry Williams (@LarryWilliamsTI) September 18, 2023
The news, while bizarre enough given Weitz’s football retirement, as well as the fact that he’s not even on campus, is made even more head scratching when you consider his in-game experience.
Sitting behind NFL kicker BT Potter for four seasons, Weitz attempted just three extra points in his career. He never got the opportunity to kick a field goal in live action.
Dabo Swinney said this week that he fully expects the new (old?) kicker to claim the starting role, though he’s pulling him away from another job opportunity with his latest ask.
Dabo Swinney says kicker Jonathan Weitz isn’t “some guy from the street.” Was B.T. Potter’s top backup and was supposed to start a job in NYC in 2 weeks. “He’s probably got a boss up there pissed off at me.” Confirms Weitz will likely start against FSU
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) September 19, 2023
Many have reacted to the odd news on social media.
“Three scholarship kickers and we grab a dude off the couch to come kick. Unreal,” one Clemson fan said.
“Clemson’s version transfer portal,” commented another.
“Bro’s going to pull up from Charleston every Saturday and go home,” this follower wrote.
One person happy for Weitz is his former teammate, Potter. He posted a message of excitement on his timeline Monday.
The return. I have never been so excited! Where can i get a Weitz jersey before Saturday?? 👀 https://t.co/pX6AZuU4v8
— BT Potter (@btpotter10) September 19, 2023
We’ll see if Weitz’s number is called on Saturday. The Tigers face FSU at home as they look to take down a Top 5 foe.