Tuesday’s Notes from Fall Camp: Vizzina Talks to Media

CLEMSON — For the first time in camp, Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina spoke to the local media, as the Tigers wrapped up Day 11 at Jervey Meadows.

Tuesday was Clemson’s last day practicing at Jervey Meadows, which is located behind Doug Kingsmore and McWhorter Stadiums. The Tigers will take Wednesday off, as classes begin at Clemson University.

The team will resume the last two days of camp on Thursday and Friday. Thursday will be the Tigers’ last scrimmage, as they turn their attention to No. 11 LSU fulltime starting next week.

Below are some notes from camp on Tuesday.

–After serving the players watermelon following one of last week’s practice, Dabo Swinney surprised them with ice cream on Tuesday. An ice cream truck was waiting for the players as they got off the tram by the Allen Reeves Football Complex.

–One interesting note was the goalpost on Jervey Meadows. The Tigers had an old-fashioned goal post, the kind with two legs, instead of the singular one that most practice fields and stadiums have. Of course, LSU uses the old-fashioned goal post at Tiger Stadium.

–Vizzina has embraced the competition he and Tait Reynolds have had this year. He said he has been waiting for this moment for a long time, and he feels he has taken full advantage of it.

–The Clemson quarterback was asked about learning under Tajh Boyd and if the former All-American ever bragged about his running prowess, especially on third-and-short. He was then asked if we could see him running the quarterback power on short yardage this season.

“I am not going to say too much, but we will see,” Vizzina said. “[Running the ball] is definitely something I like to do, and I was able to do a little bit last year.”

–I asked Vizzina how Reynolds has pushed him in the off-season and in camp.

“I really appreciate the way he has come in. He did not say too much at first, but as we have gotten to know each other and as everyone in the room has gotten to know him, I really appreciate the way he comes into work every day and the way he is with everyone else,” Vizzina said. “We spend so much time together that people can try to turn people against each other and stuff like that. But I feel he does a great job. He is young and there are a lot of first-time things he is doing, but I feel like he adapts very well to the situation. He leads in his own way, which I really respect. I am glad he is here.”

–I asked Vizzina how he has handled Reynolds coming in and trying to take his job.

“I am there for him, too,” Vizzina said. “A lot of people will probably not say that, but I feel like Cade [Klubnik] when I came in. He wanted to help me out and a lot of people in the same situation weren’t sure if he would help me. But he did and I want to do the same thing for Tait. It has been great. He is just a great dude. I enjoy being around him. If I did not mean that, I would not say it.”