By Jackson Sexton
CLEMSON, S.C. — Another sweltering August practice is in the books, and Clemson is another day closer to one of the most anticipated season openers in college football.
On Sept. 5, the Tigers will walk into Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge for a nationally televised showdown with LSU — a rematch of last season’s 17-10 LSU victory in Clemson and the first trip to Baton Rouge in Clemson football history.
And when the lights come on in Death Valley, one of the brightest spotlights will almost certainly be pointed directly at Christopher Vizzina.
After spending three seasons developing behind Cade Klubnik, Vizzina has entered fall camp in the pole position to become Clemson’s next starting quarterback. The former highly regarded prospect from Birmingham, Alabama, has waited for this opportunity, developed through it and, most importantly, appears ready to embrace everything that comes with it.
Speaking with the media Tuesday, Vizzina discussed his development, the influence of offensive coordinator Chad Morris, the emergence of talented freshman Tait Reynolds and the pressure that comes with potentially becoming the face of Clemson’s offense.
For Vizzina, the message was clear:
His time may finally be here.
Three Years of Preparation
There is a considerable difference between possessing the physical ability to play quarterback at Clemson and being prepared to actually lead Clemson.
Vizzina understands that distinction better now than he did when he first arrived on campus.
As a highly recruited quarterback coming out of Briarwood Christian School, Vizzina arrived with many of the physical traits coaches covet — size, arm strength, athletic ability and the confidence that comes with being one of the nation’s more highly regarded quarterback prospects.
What he needed was time.
College football demanded more mentally. Defenses were faster, windows were smaller, decisions had to come quicker and the responsibilities placed on a quarterback extended well beyond simply delivering the football.
Three years later, Vizzina believes that development is beginning to show.
With Klubnik now gone, teammates and coaches naturally began looking toward Vizzina to see how he would respond. Rather than shy away from those expectations, Vizzina appears to have embraced them.
He described his mindset as understanding that “no one’s coming to save me.”
It is a simple statement, but one that perfectly captures the reality of playing quarterback at a place like Clemson. If Vizzina wins the job, every throw, decision and result will be examined. The praise will come when things go well, and criticism will arrive just as quickly when they do not.
Vizzina knows that.
More importantly, he sounds like a player who wants that responsibility.
After waiting behind Klubnik and spending three seasons preparing for his chance, Vizzina said he feels as though his entire life has prepared him for this opportunity.
Now he has to prove it.
Morris Bringing a New Voice to Vizzina’s Development
Another significant part of Vizzina’s offseason has been the return of offensive coordinator Chad Morris.
Morris returned to Clemson in January for his second stint as the Tigers’ offensive coordinator, bringing back the coach whose high-powered offenses helped transform Clemson during his original run from 2011-14.
For Vizzina, Morris represents another experienced voice in his development at exactly the right time.
Vizzina has never lacked physical talent. His growth has increasingly centered on mastering the mental side of the position — understanding coverages, anticipating pressure, controlling the offense and consistently making the correct decision.
That process continued outside Clemson as well.
Vizzina spent part of the summer at the Manning Passing Academy in Louisiana, joining a large group of prominent college quarterbacks while also working with and mentoring younger players.
The experience offered Vizzina another opportunity to surround himself with quarterbacks from across the country, exchange ideas and continue sharpening his craft as he prepares for the largest role of his college career.
But perhaps the best evidence that Vizzina is capable of handling Clemson’s offense came last season.
With Klubnik unavailable, Vizzina made his first career start against SMU on Oct. 18 and delivered an impressive performance despite Clemson’s 35-24 loss. He completed 29 of 42 passes for 317 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.
It remains his only career start, but it was an important glimpse of what Vizzina can potentially provide when given control of the offense.
Now Clemson needs him to turn that glimpse into consistency.
What About Tait Reynolds?
Vizzina may have entered camp as the front-runner, but Clemson’s quarterback room also contains one of the most intriguing young players on the roster.
True freshman Tait Reynolds has wasted little time making an impression.
The 6-foot-2, 215-pound quarterback from Queen Creek, Arizona, enrolled early and quickly worked his way into the conversation during spring practice. His athleticism, arm talent and ability to create with his legs have made Reynolds much more than simply another freshman learning the offense.
He has pushed Vizzina.
And Vizzina seems perfectly comfortable admitting it.
Instead of treating Reynolds like an unwanted challenger, Vizzina has taken an approach similar to the one Klubnik used with him.
Vizzina remembered that even though he was technically competing with Klubnik, Clemson’s former starter still took time to help him develop. Now Vizzina wants to offer Reynolds the same kind of leadership.
That says something about the culture inside Clemson’s quarterback room — and about Vizzina himself.
Quarterback competitions can become uncomfortable, particularly when an established veteran is being pushed by a talented freshman. Vizzina, however, appears determined to compete without allowing that competition to prevent him from being a leader.
Reynolds may very well be an important part of Clemson’s future.
Vizzina is focused on proving that right now belongs to him.
The Opportunity Has Arrived
Clemson has heard encouraging comments about Vizzina throughout the offseason, both from coaches and teammates. His confidence has grown. His understanding of the offense has grown. His leadership role has expanded.
But eventually, offseason praise has to become production.
That is the challenge awaiting him.
On Sept. 5, Clemson will enter one of college football’s most intimidating environments for a primetime matchup with LSU. The game will be televised nationally on ABC, with ESPN’s College GameDay also descending upon Baton Rouge for the season-opening showdown.
There will be noise.
There will be pressure.
And there will be plenty of eyes on Clemson’s quarterback.
For three years, Christopher Vizzina has waited, learned and prepared behind the scenes.
Now the opportunity he came to Clemson looking for is directly in front of him.
Vizzina believes he was built for it.
Beginning in Baton Rouge, he may finally get the chance to prove it.
Clemson Sports News will continue bringing you complete coverage throughout fall camp as the Tigers prepare for their Sept. 5 season opener against LSU, including player updates, position battles and the latest developments surrounding Clemson football.
