Though Clemson lost a 31-24 heartbreaker to Florida State in overtime last Saturday, Cade Klubnik was certainly a bright spot. And Dabo Swinney loved what he saw in that game from the Tigers’ starting quarterback.
“He’s just growing and blossoming right before our eyes. This kid played his guts out Saturday. And that’s a game he needed, to go against an opponent like that,” Clemson’s head coach said Monday night during his radio show.
Klubnik has experienced his share of struggles in the early going of his first full season as Clemson’s QB1 in 2023. But through four games, the former five-star prospect from Texas has completed 66.2 percent of his passes for 976 yards and nine touchdowns with two interceptions, to go with a couple of rushing touchdowns.
On Monday night, Swinney raved about Klubnik coming off his performance against the Seminoles, when the sophomore went 25-of-38 passing for 283 yards with one touchdown pass, no interceptions and a rushing score.
“Cade, every single week, the game has slowed down. He’s continued to just evolve and just make huge throws, big plays with his legs,” Swinney said. “He’s got a great command of what we’re doing. He’s made some excellent checks. So, just really, really proud of him, and he’s just taken ownership at practice, in the meetings. He’s got a ton of energy.
“Some people like football – this guy loves football. He loves football and he loves everything that comes with it, and he’s just one of the best young men you’re ever going to meet. We’re watching a great one develop.”
Swinney shared an interaction he had with Charlie Whitehurst following the loss to FSU, and how the former Clemson quarterback great was extremely impressed by Klubnik’s performance.
“When the game was over – it was a tough, tough locker room – but I’m heading in to see the team, and Charlie Whitehurst was standing outside of my little office door there. He actually wanted to see Cade. It was the one thing he said, he was so impressed with him,” Swinney said.
“He said, ‘I’m telling you, this guy right here, Coach, we got us a great one right here, man.’ And we do, and I already knew that. He’s still maturing and developing. But he’s going to be a special one, for sure. Hate that he’s had some tough breaks go against him, but it’ll make him better. This is a great growing experience and opportunity for him, and he’s got a lot of great days ahead of him. … So, I’m proud of him, and a lot of great days ahead for that young man.”
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