Why Dabo Swinney thought QB Cade Klubnik was ‘average’ in Clemson football scrimmage

CLEMSON — Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney believed spring break came early for quarterback Cade Klubnik.

The Tigers held their first spring scrimmage at Memorial Stadium on Wednesday, and Swinney thought his quarterback didn’t bring his best in the friendly competition.

“I didn’t think Cade had a good day today. I thought he was very average,” Swinney said. “I think he checked out. I think he’s already gone to Cabo or something. I don’t think he was ready to go today.”

Swinney said Klubnik had limited playing time Wednesday as backup Christopher Vizzina worked with the starting unit. Swinney added Vizzina has progressed further than where he was at this time last year, leading his first drive of the scrimmage for a touchdown.

Vizzina, who is entering his third season, was inserted in the scrimmage right before Klubnik called for the ball on a possession. Swinney said Vizzina ended the drive with a touchdown pass.

Swinney said the offense had some miscues, especially in the red zone. He didn’t name any players, but quarterbacks threw several interceptions.

“One was a tipped ball. Tips are usually picks as they say and a couple of them were just bad decisions, and good plays by the defense,” Swinney said.

Vizzina’s growth is essential for Clemson for 2025 and beyond as he will likely be Klubnik’s successor. In nine career games, Vizzina is 19-for-34 for 190 yards passing and one rushing touchdown.

For Klubnik, he has cemented himself as Clemson’s starter after two full seasons in the role.

Dabo Swinney disappointed in cornerbacks in scrimmage

One position group that Swinney was disappointed in was cornerbacks. He said Avieon Terrell was on a play count, which allowed some of Clemson’s inexperienced cornerbacks to get more playing time.

However, Swinney said the unit struggled, namely Branden Strozier, Tavoy Feagin and…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/why-dabo-swinney-thought-qb-023320572.html

Author : Greenville News

Publish date : 2025-03-13 02:33:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.