Klubnik confident new offense will deliver immediate results this fall
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Cade Klubnik is the new face of Clemson football. The Tigers will rely on Klubnik and new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley to revitalize the offense and fuel the program’s return to the College Football Playoff. That pressure doesn’t faze the young quarterback.
"I think his poise is in a good spot right now, the command and taking over the leadership role,” Riley said. “He’s grown into that role, and people actually listen to him."
Klubnik’s most memorable performance last season came against North Carolina in the ACC Championship game, after replacing D.J. Uiagalelei in the first quarter. He immediately engineered three consecutive touchdown drives, leading Clemson to its seventh ACC title in the past eight years.
Now, he’s focused on building on that first taste of collegiate success.
“I don’t really get too nervous,” Klubnik said. “I’m excited to go play, I just don’t see any reason to be nervous.”
He is a natural fit in Riley’s offense, which has similar schemes and verbiage to the offense he led to back-to-back state championships at Westlake High School in Texas.
“We’re not huddling up giving a 40-word play call every single time like some other schools,” Klubnik said.
While Klubnik earned a five-star rating as a pro-style quarterback in high school, a different portion of his skillset intrigued Tiger defenders in practice.
"He’s sneaky fast,” Clemson safety Andrew Mukuba said. “People don’t think he’s fast, but if he gets out in the open I don't think anybody can really catch him. That’s the underrated part of his game.”
Between Riley and offensive assistant Tajh Boyd - a legendary Clemson quarterback, Klubnik will have plenty of guidance in navigating the challenges of a schedule that includes three ranked opponents this fall.
“I use Tajh as a huge resource,” Klubnik said. “He is one of the best people I know of building somebody’s confidence up. The way he is a light in the quarterback room, it’s huge for us.”
Klubnik has already earned a reputation for spending extra time in the Clemson football facility and admitted that his game preparation bleeds into his daily life.
“Even walking to class, I was thinking about different reads and defenses this week.”
The new-look offense and extensive game preparation process gives Klubnik confidence heading into the opening game Monday night against Duke.
“I don’t really have any concerns, I feel great about where we’re at.”
