Korn chooses the Marshall plan

CLEMSON - Willy Korn said Thursday he would be OK with being a backup - in the NFL.

Unwilling to accept second-string status at Clemson, Korn said he will transfer to Marshall to compete for the stating quarterback job.

Meeting with reporters a day after National Signing Day, it was a reminder of how "savior" labels are often prematurely attached in February. Korn, who arrived as a heralded recruit at Clemson three years ago, said he has done his best to "rip off the rear-view mirror" and not think about what could have been as a Tiger.

"I feel like things would have been a lot different if I hadn't been hurt in back-to-back years," Korn said.

Korn announced his intention to transfer in December after playing time at Clemson seemed unlikely with a freshman All-American ahead of him in Kyle Parker and a heralded redshirt freshman behind him in Tajh Boyd.

There will be competition at Marshall, too, which returns starting quarterback Brian Anderson.

Anderson completed 58 percent of his passes for 2,646 yards with 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions his junior season. Also on the roster is another Upstate quarterback product, Mark Cann, a sophomore, who started 11 games as a freshman in 2008.

Korn was asked why he didn't transfer to a school with a glaring void at quarterback.

"I still have a burning desire to play at this level," Korn said. "To kind of prove to everyone I can still do it. To everyone that doubts me, to kind of prove them wrong."

Korn also brought up a conversation with his father, who suggested it was good too have competition and not make it "too easy."

Korn could have an advantage in auditioning for a new coaching staff headed by Doc Holliday, who told Korn there will be an open competition. But Korn will miss Marshall's spring practice as he completes his degree at Clemson.

"Everyone has a clean slate," Korn said of playing for Holliday.

To transfer to a FBS school without losing eligibility - Korn has two years remaining - Korn had to graduate then enroll in a graduate program (journalism) at Marshall.

This spring Korn will work out with his former coach at Byrnes High, Bobby Bentley, and continue to refine his throwing mechanics, which were altered by shoulder surgery. Korn declined to name the two other programs he considered.

Korn has family in nearby Columbus, Ohio, and the Herd open their season against Ohio State.

This story was originally published February 5, 2010 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Korn chooses the Marshall plan."