‘Very Confident’ Hunter Helms Looking to Secure Role as Backup QB

When Chris Vizzina signed as an early enrolle as part of the 2023 recruiting class, there were some that thought there would be an open competition with Cade Klubnik for the role of starting quarterback at Clemson.

There were others that automatically penciled in Vizzina as the backup. However, neither of those scenarios have come to fruition.

Klubnik is the unquestioned starter. Coaches have raved about the progress the former 5-star recruit has made under the tutelage of new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley.

Behind him, though, it’s Hunter Helms. The former walk-on from the Columbia area entered the spring second on the depth chart, and he has remained there.

“Hunter Helms has had his best spring,” head coach Dabo Swinney said. “It’s been fun to watch him. He’s by far the best version of Hunter Helms we’ve seen.”

While coaches have also raved about Vizinna, it’s the play of Helms that has been one of the bigger surprises of the spring. According to reports, Helms has played well in each of the first two scrimmages, ripping off a 40+ yard touchdown run in the most recent one held on Wednesday.

With graduate transfer Paul Tyson limited this spring due to a thumb injury, Helms has taken full advantage, and Swinney insists there is a noticeable difference in the redshirt junior.

“Has really gotten himself in really great shape, which has helped him mobility-wise,” Swinney said. “He’s very, very confident. Really proud of him and what he’s done.”