Klubnik, Vizzina Continue Impressive Play in Camp

CLEMSON — Clemson’s quarterbacks continue to impress in fall camp, especially its first two on the depth chart.

Starter Cade Klubnik and backup Christopher Vizzina have owned the Clemson defense this past week. Both quarterbacks had touchdown throws during the Tigers’ two-hour scrimmage on Thursday at Memorial Stadium, including a two-minute touchdown drive from Vizzina.

“He has had about, he and Cade actually, four or five really, really good practices in a row,” Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said. “His ball placement, the game, everything has slowed down for him. I am really proud of him.”

Swinney is really proud of Klubnik, too. The junior again had another great day in a scrimmage.

“I am just so impressed with him, but he has to go do it on game day, now, right? We can see it all day in practice,” Swinney said. “I would rather see it in practice than not see it in practice, but I am really proud of what he has done.

“Now the next step is let’s go be consistent and go do it on game day and week after week after week. If he plays like he has practiced, he is going to have a great year for us.”

As for Vizzina, Swinney says the redshirt freshman has exceeded expectations.

“He is way ahead of where I’d hoped he would be. I am really proud of him,” the Clemson coach said.

Swinney says Vizzina’s size gives him an edge and he has improved his accuracy. The best part is his teammates are starting to believe in him, too.

“He is a big, big kid that can run, and he is very accurate,” Swinney said. “So, it has been a good camp for him. I think he is coming out of it with a ton of confidence.

“It is good for the team to be able to have confidence in him, as well. He has made some big-time plays, including a two-minute touchdown drive today.”

Swinney says the Tigers will begin preparing for Georgia this Sunday. Clemson opens the season against No. 1 Georgia on Aug. 31 (Noon) in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic in Atlanta.