Clemson Football Update: Is Zerrick Cooper the clear No. 2 at QB?

The Clemson football team held practice today and Zerrick Cooper was taking snaps with the first team. Has he taken over the No. 2 spot at quarterback?

Clemson football quarterback Zerrick Cooper took some reps with the first team today during practice, splitting time with starter Kelly Bryant.

True Freshman quarterback Hunter Johnson only took snaps with the second team.

This begs the question: Is there separation between Cooper and Johnson for the second-string spot at quarterback?

Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney has been pretty adamant for a while now the Kelly Bryant is the starter.

Swinney notes that Bryant has been the most consistent quarterback and has improved in his throwing ability and, of course, his leadership skills.

But, Swinney is not opposed to playing two quarterbacks. This means the second-string position is extremely important. Whoever holds the No. 2 spot in 2017 is going to get a chance to exhibit their skills in Game 1.

Here’s what Swinney had to say after practice about the quarterback situation via Tony Crumpton of Tigernet.com.

"“No I wouldn’t be opposed to playing three quarterbacks in the first game. I think those two [Cooper and Johnson] are right there. They’ve both done some good things and then they’ll both make a mistake that you just scratch your head on. But they’re freshmen. We just have to keep putting them in those situations. We’re trying to expose these guys so that, if they’re coachable, they will go get better.”"

Swinney was high on Kelly Bryant as well, saying that he had an excellent practice and has been steady this entire fall.

I think, in some way, shape or another, that you will see all three quarterbacks get some game experience against Kent State Week 1.

However, learning that Zerrick Cooper is playing with the first-team tells me that he has an edge on Hunter Johnson as of right now. It tells me that the coaching staff believes they might need him to play at some point this season and they want him to get better.

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It’s pretty clear what the pecking order is for Clemson football right now. It starts with Kelly Bryant and then Zerrick Cooper and then Hunter Johnson. Johnson may have a chance to move up the depth chart as the season progresses.

But, for now, it seems the coaching staff has elected to go with Cooper over Johnson for that No. 2 spot.