Camp Checkpoint: Trap-Call INT, Bounce-Back Drives, and Rising Youngsters
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Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik and backup Christopher Vizzina each had their moments in Saturday’s first fall scrimmage, but head coach Dabo Swinney made it clear: in the red zone, execution has to be better.
Klubnik, the senior who passed for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns last season, had several bright spots, including a great bounce-back from an early pick-six to redshirt sophomore defensive back Tink Kelly.
“Cade had one [interception]… but bounced right back, made some big plays… made a couple of elite throws,” Swinney said.
Swinney clarified that the interception was more about the defense winning the rep than a bad decision by Klubnik.
“The first one was just a really good call defensively,” Swinney noted. “I think it just caught us off guard. Good execution defensively, is what I would say.”
After the offense shifted, the defense checked into a trap look designed to bait the throw, rotating a defender into the window at the snap. Swinney emphasized he liked the process and, more importantly, the response—Klubnik answered with several on-time, high-degree throws on the next few series.
The bigger point of emphasis came inside the red zone. Swinney pointed to two plays — one by Klubnik and one by Vizzina — that he categorized as “can’t happen” mistakes.
“Biggest negative… both of them had a negative play in the red zone,” Swinney explained. “Cade took a sack on first down… and [on Vizzina] all 11 weren’t set. That’s on the quarterback.”
Vizzina, the redshirt sophomore from Birmingham, Ala., was thrown into a sudden-change situation during the scrimmage and, according to Swinney, responded well overall.
“We put him in a tough spot: sudden change, backed up, and he made a couple of big throws,” Swinney said.
Last season, Vizzina appeared in limited duty, completing 19 of 34 passes for 190 yards. His continued growth is key, given Clemson’s desire for competition at the position and the high stakes of the opener.
Vizzina, like Klubnik, also threw a pick-six in the game. Redshirt sophomore Branden Strozier made a great competitive play and took the ball to the house. Swinney emphasized that the offense “didn't get him on the ground.”
| Status Check: Clemson Defensive Backs With Pick-sixes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | Name | Position | Height | Weight | Class | Hometown |
| 25 | Misun “Tink” Kelley | DB/WR | 5-9 | 190 | Redshirt So. | Central, S.C. |
| 1 | Branden Strozier | CB | 6-1 | 180 | Redshirt So. | Lovejoy, Ga. |
Swinney’s emphasis on red zone discipline comes with good reason as the Tigers open with LSU on Aug. 30 at Memorial Stadium. In this matchup, offensive efficiency will be crucial.
“We’ve got to come away with points down there, preferably touchdowns, but at worst, a field goal,” Swinney said. “Self-inflicted stuff in that area can’t happen.”
The red zone conversation also ties into the kicking game. Sophomore Nolan Hauser, who went 18-of-24 on field goals last season, drew Swinney’s attention for an inconsistent week.
“Last year's kicks don't carry over. He finished good today, again, had a nice kick to finish, so good to see him respond,” Swinney stated. “But he was two for three, and we need him to be three for three, and the one he missed was 100% on him. He hasn't been as consistent, so we need him to pick it up.”
In the meantime, the quarterback room will continue repping red zone packages in practice. Swinney hinted that the coaching staff may simulate those exact scrimmage miscues this week to drive the point home.
“Those are teachable moments,” Swinney said. “We’ll put them right back in that situation and see how they respond.”
