Clemson expected its next starting quarterback to grow into the job after Cade Klubnik’s departure for the NFL. What the Tigers could not know was how quickly an injury would leave a true freshman responsible for an offense still searching for answers.
Tait Reynolds has faced that challenge after Christopher Vizzina went down in the second game of the season. With Clemson struggling to generate points, Dabo Swinney was asked Tuesday whether passing on a veteran transfer quarterback was a decision he would make again.
“You do what you think is right. Sometimes it does not work out the way you want,” Swinney said. “I do not have any regret when it comes to that.”
The Tigers chose to build around the quarterbacks already on campus, even though none
had extensive college playing experience. Vizzina offered the most familiarity with the program as a fourth-year player, but his game experience consisted largely of limited appearances and one start in place of an injured Klubnik.
That left Clemson with experience in its system, but little proven production at the position.
The competition also changed considerably after spring practice began. Chris Denson initially figured to challenge Vizzina, only for discussions about a position change to begin within the first two weeks. He eventually moved to receiver, while Reynolds established himself as a contender for the starting job.
Vizzina remained the starter for the opener at LSU, where Reynolds also played during a lopsided defeat. An injury the following week then took Vizzina out of the lineup for several weeks, accelerating Reynolds’ move into a larger role.
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For a quarterback who missed nearly all of his final high school season, the adjustment has been difficult. Reynolds has one touchdown pass against three interceptions and is averaging 156.6 passing yards per game. Clemson’s offense is averaging 21.4 points.
Those numbers reflect problems that extend beyond quarterback play, though Reynolds’ freshman mistakes have contributed to the difficulties.
Swinney’s stance leaves Clemson focused on developing its young starter and finding solutions with the personnel available. The results have fallen short of what the Tigers wanted, but he continues to stress patience with Reynolds as the freshman learns through experience.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Dabo Swinney doesn’t regret Clemson not getting a QB in transfer portal
