While he may not admit it publicly, Dabo Swinney might have provided evidence of where he is leaning at starting quarterback. Freshmen like Tait Reynolds cannot meet with the media until after they play a game, but Swinney had no problem putting veteran Christopher Vizzina front and center after Tuesday's practice, which is quite telling. Reynolds may have a ton of promise, but this looks to be Vizzina's team now.
Outside of his new media responsibilities, Vizzina seems to have taken his game up a notch. This is what Will Vandervort shared in his news and notes post for The Clemson Insider. While Swinney may have been leaning this way all along, Vandervort's intel suggests that "Vizzina has created a little separation in the Tigers' search for a new starting quarterback." Vizzina talking to the media matters.
Although Swinney may not have brought Vizzina with him to ACC Media Days, he has clearly emerged as a leader on this offense. While his skill set has been largely understated throughout his time at Clemson, Vizzina appears to be the leader and veteran quarterback this team needs right now. While Reynolds may play some vs. LSU in Week 1, expect Vizzina to lead the Tigers out of the tunnel.
Vizzina stepping up to the plate may play a big part in Clemson potentially crashing the playoff party.
Christopher Vizzina has separated from Tait Reynolds as Clemson's QB1
Frankly, this is precisely what we were all hoping for. Iron has sharpened iron throughout fall camp. Vizzina, Reynolds, and the rest of the Clemson quarterback room have gotten better over the summer because of it. While it may come down to how well these guys grasp Chad Morris' offense, the Tigers seem to be in better hands at the position than expected. Swinney has to be loving this situation.
What is important to understand here is that just because Swinney and Morris might be leaning one way does not guarantee they will be forthcoming and say it. They don't need to be cooperative with the media over who the next Clemson starting quarterback will be. They have a tough road game to win in Baton Rouge. Lane Kiffin may have a good feeling Vizzina will start, but that is only a calculated guess.
Right now, Clemson seems to be having one of its better fall camps in quite some time. Everyone is coming together for the greater cause. This year's team looks to be better than the sum of its parts. It will take outstanding leadership, but also a great deal of selflessness to take this team back to the promised land, or at least to Charlotte. Every leader on this team will need to step up to get there.
As far as Vizzina being in pole position to win the starting job goes, keep in mind that a lot can change between now and Sept. 5. While we should expect both Vizzina and Reynolds to play this season, whoever ends up winning the starting job will likely have a short leash. This is a new offense that everybody on the team has to learn. Clemson has a talented team, but cannot afford early mistakes.
Vizzina may be the presumptive favorite to win the starting job, but he has to continue to earn it.
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