Clemson Football: Three questions about the quarterbacks
By John Chancey
![April 15, 2023; Clemson, SC , USA; Clemson offensive coordinator Garrett Riley walks by quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) after his interception throw during the second quarter the annual Orange and White Spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, April 15, 2023. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY NETWORK April 15, 2023; Clemson, SC , USA; Clemson offensive coordinator Garrett Riley walks by quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) after his interception throw during the second quarter the annual Orange and White Spring game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, April 15, 2023. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY NETWORK](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ab1515979b597839f950f5262e98edc9182978e3db51b61568c67fe6ddc7804b.jpg)
Will Clemson Football be able to redshirt Christopher Vizzina?
If Klubnik is healthy all season, the Tigers will likely find some time in certain games to get Vizzina on the field to get him some experience and then shut him down when he reaches four games so he can redshirt.
If Klubnik is injured, and can’t start for multiple games, we can infer that the staff would prefer to put Helms or Tyson into the starting role to preserve Vizzina’s redshirt.
However, the staff isn’t likely to keep either backup in the starting lineup for long if they aren’t effective. If Klubnik is out, and neither Helms nor Tyson is getting the job done, they are likely to burn Vizzina’s redshirt, and it isn’t just because they will want to save the season. If the backups fail, the season is already likely going to fall short of any notable goals for the team.
There is a reason they want to redshirt Vizzina – he isn’t ready to play yet, and it isn’t worth burning a season of eligibility just to get him ready. At the same time, Vizzina is the heir apparent to Klubnik. The thought process of most observers is that Vizzina isn’t ready to bypass Helms or Tyson now, but eventually, he will.
If the veteran backup options can’t keep Clemson in contention for their goals, then it is likely they will give Vizzina the practical experience of taking the field and learning on the job.
Next. Clemson Football: CFP National Championship Locations for 2023 and Beyond. dark