A promising backup emerges as one signal-caller faces a potential position switch, reshaping Clemson's quarterback battle.
The Clemson Tigers have seen some movement in where things stand with the quarterback position after 15 practices of spring football.
That could mean changes are coming for the quarterback room before the final part of the battle comes during training camp this summer.
Christopher Vizzina appeared to be the most likely option to start at quarterback in Week 1 before spring football started. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney wanted to see Vizzina take the job and run with it during practices.
Vizzina was locked in a battle with Brock Bradley, Chris Denson, Trent Pearman and Tait Reynolds.
Per Paul Myerberg of USA Today, Reynolds appears to have taken over the backup job to Vizzina this spring. Denson could be asked to switch positions.
Myerberg suggested the quarterback battle could drag into the regular season, with Reynolds potentially replacing Vizzina if the Tigers see trouble at the position.
"Vizzina is the heavy favorite coming out of the spring after spending the past two seasons as Cade Klubnik’s backup and going for 317 yards and three touchdowns as the starter in last year’s loss to SMU," Myerberg wrote. Reynolds, a freshman, has ascended into the backup role.
"That could result in Denson moving away from quarterback this season. Reynolds has a shot at unseating Vizzina heading into the opener but is more likely to earn an in-season promotion if the passing game sputters."
In March, Swinney made it clear that Vizzina separated himself during spring practice.
“We came out of the spring, CV one and Tait is two [on the depth chart]. It’s not close. Those two guys separated, and that’s where we are. That’s just where we are,” Swinney said, via The Clemson Insider.
“So, we’re coming out of spring with some clarity. I think we needed that. The team needed that, the players needed that, and I think they all knew that. So, coming out of it now with two clear guys, we can go into the summer.”
Clemson needed a quarterback to outright win the job. Cade Klubnik was a disappointment in his final season with the team under offensive coordinator Garrett Riley.
New offensive coordinator Chad Morris could get the offense back on track if Vizzinia can continue to play well during the regular season.