One of the best ways to break in a new starting quarterback is to have a strong supporting cast around him. With Cade Klubnik turning heads on the New York Jets, it will be up to either veteran Christopher Vizzina or newcomer Tait Reynolds to take his place under center for Chad Morris. They inherit an elite receiving corps, but Clemson could be more competent on the ground than expected.
In Will Vandervort's notes from Saturday's scrimmage on The Clemson Insider, he revealed so much great insight on the evolving Clemson rushing attack. Whether it be Reynolds' elite speed or Vizzina's underrated running abilities, the quarterback room seems to be in good shape there. While Gideon Davidson is emerging as the team's lead back, Chris Johnson Jr. could provide more even versatility.
Davidson apparently had a 60-yard run, but it was called back due to a penalty. It is becoming more apparent by the day that he will likely be the featured back in this offense. As for Johnson, Morris is opting to line him up all over the field as an increasingly valuable playmaker out of the Tigers' backfield. The incoming transfer by way of SMU is ready to become the player he knows he can be for Clemson.
All in all, we are looking four key players who can help get this Clemson rushing attack off the ground.
Clemson's rushing attack could be more explosive than we even imagined
Of the four players mentioned above, Reynolds being able to scoot and Davidson in the driver's seat to become Clemson's lead back are not that much of a surprise. What stands out is that Vizzina may not be a stiff in the backfield after all at quarterback, as well as Johnson being able to make an immediate impact after transferring over to Clemson. Johnson is betting on himself to prove his doubters wrong.
As far as what this could mean for Clemson, we can only hope Morris' coaching acumen can get the most out of the talent he has around him. Keep in mind that only Davidson and Vizzina were part of last year's team. Reynolds is a true freshman, and Johnson played for Rhett Lashlee in Dallas last year. Morris may be familiar to Clemson, but so much has changed since he last called plays for the Tigers.
What seems to be bubbling to the surface a bit is that Clemson seems willing to fight for every yard it can on offense, even if that means getting outside of its comfort zone to do so. Vizzina might need to add a new wrinkle to his game. Davidson has to take on a larger role within this offense. Johnson must be adaptable to have any staying power. As for Reynolds, this is an entirely different level of play for him.
Right now, Clemson is built to bounce back within the context of ACC play. No doubt about it, the talent is most certainly there. What will be tricky is how quickly all the pieces will come together. Last year's team was loaded with so many seasoned upperclassmen, but it only went 7-6. This left a sour taste in the mouths of many national media pundits entering this season. Can you really blame them?
Although new leaders do need to step up, Clemson is only going to grow if the right leaders in place are comfortable with being uncomfortable. It is why these new changes to rushing attack could be emblematic of what is to come at Clemson. Morris is a familiar face, but he came back to Clemson to do serious work on the offensive side of the ball. We can only hope that his new players do the same.
In a way, the rushing attack rounding into form could be akin to the entire team leveling up this year.
Add us as a preferred source on Google