Tajh Boyd, in a bit of a surprise, has decided to stay at Clemson for his senior season.

Boyd, who capped a strong junior year by passing for 346 yards, accounting for three TDs, and leading the game-winning scoring drive against mighty LSU in a New Year’s Eve bowl game, could have been an early-round draft pick.

[Previously: 2013 NFL MOCK DRAFT: Tajh Boyd rising.]

In a down year for QBs – Matt Barkley’s been hurt, Geno Smith struggled in the second half of the season; nobody else has stood out – Boyd (6-foot-1, 220) could have snuck into the first round. He might remind some of Russell Wilson, who is tearing it up in Seattle.

[Previously: 2013 College Football Top 20: Clemson 18.]

In three categories, Boyd’s stats were up significantly this year – completion percentage, yards-per-attempt and QB rating – and he was throwing to two future NFL receivers in DeAndre Hopkins and Sammy Watkins (the latter of whom definitely returns next year).

Boyd has four offensive lineman returning, and if Hopkins stays for his senior year, this could be one of the best offenses in the country. Chad Morris is a brilliant offensive mind, and with the right season, probably positions himself for head coaching opportunities in 2014.