The combination of a quarterback and tight end can change an offense with chemistry and it’s most evident at the NFL level. For Clemson, we only got to see a glimpse of what that could look like in 2023.

Cade Klubnik and Jake Briningstool came into the season with high expectations and the duo had flashes, but took a time before gaining that trust between each other. Briningstool is a massive target at 6-foot-6 and that’s something a quarterback must take advantage of.

This didn’t happen until the dominant win over Florida Atlantic, when Klubnik delivered a strike for a touchdown right over a defender’s head. He didn’t eclipse three catches until the sixth game of the season, but it led to a dominant outing that could be far more normal in 2024.

While the trip to Miami was heartbreak, Klubnik and Briningstool displayed what Garrett Riley needed out of this offense. The pair combined for five completions, 126 yards and two touchdowns. Both scores were in acrobatic fashion, and Klubnik trusted his receiver to make the grabs.

The Gator Bowl was another big game with a career-high nine catches for 91 yards. That’s the momentum heading into the offseason Clemson needs out of this duo.

Heading into 2024, Klubnik and Briningstool have a year together under their belt and the improvements expected at the wide receiver position should allow for more success from the tight ends. Given Briningstool was a reliable target, he was draped in coverage.

Riley also found the mojo if you will with Briningstool later in the year, using him as a vertical threat instead of opting for short routes. He’s a weapon in thr middle and down the field which Klubnik took a lot of comfort in. If Clemson can capitalize on this duo in 2024, the Tigers’ offense can take a massive leap.