CHARLOTTE — Cade Klubnik is welcoming the ACC’s new guidelines when it comes to storming the field with open arms.

On Tuesday, to open the ACC Kickoff, Commissioner Jim Phillips announced new safety measures that could impact Clemson’s longstanding tradition of the Gathering at the Paw after home football games.

It is a tradition that dates back to the 1940s, although it was not referred to as the Gathering at the Paw until the 1990s. Win or lose, fans gather at midfield to sing the alma mater and mingle with players and coaches.

“Our fans are so awesome,” Klubnik said during the ACC Kickoff. “They care so much.”

“It’s so awesome to be able to have them on the field. We don’t really get to feel that a lot. We don’t get to feel the presence of the fans. I feel like sometimes we’re just very secluded. The only other time ever is whenever we run down the hill. It feels like we’re in the stands with everybody.”

The new guidelines Phillips announced earlier this week specifically reference storming the football field. While fans will still be allowed down on the playing surface, they must wait until all officials and members of the opposing team have vacated. Fines for the first offense are $50K. They rise to $100K for the second one and $300K for the third.

It is a move Klubnik is in favor of. Due to how quickly the fans are on the field, the senior quarterback sais not once has he gotten the opportunity to shake an opposing quarterback’s hand after a home contest, something he would very much like the chance to do.

“I will say I think it’s great that there’s going to be a little bit of a delay because I’ve never gotten to shake the opponent’s quarterback’s hand after a home game,” Klubnik said. “I didn’t get to say hi to Sam Hartman or Drake Maye at home or some of these guys. So to be able to do that will be awesome. To be able to enjoy the other team for a few minutes and then let’s go.”

Photo courtesy of Jim Dedmon/Imagn Images