Here we go again. The national media just cannot help but overlook what is brewing in Death Valley.
Christopher Vizzina, Clemson’s next man up at quarterback, just got hit with another dose of disrespect. On3’s Andy Staples dropped his latest ACC quarterback rankings, and somehow Vizzina is sitting at a head-scratching No. 9 overall. For a guy who has waited his turn and exhibited flashes of big-time ability, that’s a slap in the face.
The redshirt sophomore is hungry, and he’s got a chance to lead Clemson right back to the top. If he needed any more motivation, this ranking just gave it to him.
The Disrespect in the Rankings
Staples’ rankings place Miami’s Darian Mensah at the top, followed by Cal’s Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and SMU’s Kevin Jennings in the top three. NC State’s C.J. Bailey and Pitt’s Mason Heintschel complete the top five, while Louisville’s Lincoln Kienholz, Syracuse’s Steven Angeli, Virginia Tech’s Ethan Grunkemeyer, and Virginia’s Beau Pribula all sit ahead of Clemson’s projected signal-caller.
Putting a Clemson quarterback behind nine other ACC passers? That’s almost laughable. Staples points to Vizzina’s limited tape, but let’s not forget he’s spent three years learning behind Cade Klubnik and has only thrown 105 passes. That’s called paying your dues in a championship program.
“Christopher Vizzina waited his turn at Clemson behind Cade Klubnik, and based on what Dabo Swinney said throughout the spring, the Alabama native should be the Tigers’ opening-day starter," Staples said.
A Proven Flash of Brilliance
The national media loves to call it ‘uncertainty.’ Around here, we call it a breakout in the making. When Klubnik went down against SMU, Vizzina didn’t blink. He torched the Mustangs for 317 yards, three touchdowns, and not a single interception. That’s what you want from your next leader.
“The sample size with Vizzina is small, but he did throw for 317 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions while replacing an injured Klubnik in a 35-24 loss to SMU last season," Staples noted.
That night showed Vizzina has the poise, the arm talent, and the nerves of steel to run this offense at a championship level.
The Battle for the Pole Position
Dabo Swinney made it clear after spring ball: Vizzina left camp in the driver’s seat. But this is Clemson, where competition is the standard. Freshman Tait Reynolds is coming for the job, and if history tells us anything, Swinney will not hesitate to make a move if the starter slips.
“Vizzina is currently holding off freshman Tait Reynolds, but Vizzina likely will have to play well early, Clemson opens at LSU, to ensure he keeps the job," Staples said. "Cole Stoudt and Kelly Bryant will attest that Swinney will go to a talented freshman if necessary.”
Vizzina gets his shot to shut up the doubters right out of the gate. Clemson opens the season under the lights at LSU, and if Vizzina delivers in Death Valley West, he will lock down this job and force the national media to rewrite their accounts by the time September is over.
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