Is Christopher Vizzina ready to play?
Vizzina is another quarterback that several fans were excited about. He wasn’t a recruit with the scout rating that Lawrence, Uiagalelei, or Klubnik got in high school, but he had the size and he was the ‘right fit’ for the program.
We knew by the 2023 Spring Game that Vizzina wouldn’t be ready to contribute right away, but the potential was still there. He has had a season to acclimate and learn under offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Garrett Riley. Both of the players ahead of him on the 2023 depth chart are no longer there (more on that in a minute).
Vizzina is the heir apparent to be Klubnik’s backup, which makes his development crucial for three reasons. If Klubnik goes down with an injury, Vizzina will be the man to step into the starting lineup.
We also have to be realistic: it is fair to have hope that Klubnik will improve his decision-making and not be a liability to the offense. It is also fair to acknowledge that might not happen. Vizzina needs to be ready if Klubnik isn’t leading the offense to success,
Then there is the biggest reason: sooner or later, he is likely to be Clemson’s starting quarterback. Assuming the Tigers don’t change their tune with NIL and the portal, the only quarterback entering in 2025 will be freshman Blake Hebert.
Next: What happens if the Tigers need Trent Pearman or Paul Tyson?