While many programs look to the transfer portal for instant solutions at quarterback, Dabo Swinney is sticking to his old-school philosophy: development.
Speaking about the progression of backup quarterback Christopher "CV" Vizzina, Swinney drew a parallel to LSU's own signal-caller, Garrett Nussmeier, who waited his turn before taking the reins. It's a path Swinney sold to Vizzina, a highly-touted prospect who could have played immediately at many other schools.
"I think we got a kid very similar behind Cade [Klubnik]," Swinney said. "[Vizzina] is a kid who could have gone a lot of places... We kind of laid the path out... 'This would be a great opportunity to really develop. Y'all be in this for the long term, not for just what's your freshman year.'"
Swinney's praise for players who stay and develop is a subtle commentary on the modern landscape of college football.
"I love to develop our players, and it's hard to develop them if they're not here," Swinney stated plainly. "Just like anything else, when you stick with something for a while, you get better. There's continuity with the people around you."
He sees a bright future for Vizzina, who has fully "bought into" the plan. "The kid really just has grown, really developed, and he's got a great future as well."