CLEMSON, S.C.- While Cade Klubnik already has Clemson's starting quarterback job locked up, the battle for the backup role is far from decided.
With graduate transfer Paul Tyson sidelined with a thumb injury, Hunter Helms began the spring taking the second string reps, with talented freshman Chris Vizzina working with the third-team. How the depth chart shakes out behind Klubnik at the end of spring remains to be seen.
So far, offensive coordinator Garrett Riley likes what he has seen from Vizzina early on, as the 6-foot-4 former 5-star prospect, and Top 50 talent appears to be catching on quickly.
"Yeah, he's a talented dude," Riley said. "He's a big kid now. Fun to watch. Eager. Mentally, he's a sharp kid."
In fact, Riley likes the eagerness all of the quarterbacks have shown when it comes to learning the new offense.
"I think that's probably the biggest thing with our quarterbacks right now is, may not be executing it great right now, three practices in, but in terms of mentally where we're at, they've got confidence with what we're doing," Riley said. "So that's a testament to our kids."
As for Vizzina, Riley said that while they are throwing a lot at the freshman, he doesn't let it affect him. On top of that, he is already showing a lot of poise to go along with the impressive skillset.
"It's all kind of going fast and new as you would expect for a young quarterback, but the guy's not phased," Riley said. "You know what I mean? He's a very poised individual and so skillset wise there's a lot to love about him. But he's been a poised guy early on, which is a good sign for a young quarterback."
Want to join in on the discussion? 100% FREE! Interact with fellow Tiger fans and hear directly from publisher Zach Lentz, deputy editor Brad Senkiw, recruiting analyst Jason Priester and staff writer Will Vandervort on any subject. Click here to become a member of the ALL CLEMSON message board community today!
Do us a HUGE favor and like, subscribe and follow us on social media:
►LIKE us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allclemson
►SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/AllClemson
►FOLLOW All Clemson on Twitter:https://twitter.com/All_Clemson