Clemson football quarterback Cade Klubnik, like campers at his free clinic, still growing

WALHALLA — Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik reached down for a high-five.

He remembers what it was like to reach up.

Klubnik held a free clinic Saturday, the Cade Klubnik Youth Football Camp, at Walhalla High School. He shared smiles and then some of his knowledge at Razorback Stadium with about 200 kids ages 6 to 16. They weren't there just for autographs and T-shirts. They were there to learn something from the Clemson star.

“I know what it's like to be that age and have a chance to do things like this,” said Klubnik, a junior from Austin, Texas. “My dream was always to play college football, which is what I’m doing now. This is when those dreams start.”

Klubnik, football student-turned-teacher for a few hours at Razorback Stadium, has some commonality with the kids. They’re all still learning, still growing, still making mistakes and still dreaming of what might be next.

Last year, his first full season as the starter, he led Clemson to a 9-4 record, 4-4 in the ACC, with a TaxSlayer Gator Bowl win against Kentucky. He passed for 2,844 yards and 19 touchdowns with nine interceptions. Fewest yards per attempt in the ACC (6.3 yards) and 28 sacks taken. Mixed results in an overall successful season.

“Everything continues to get better the more you experience and the harder you work,” he said. “I feel like I’m doing everything I can do to help the team. This season feels a little different because I feel like more of a leader.”

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Among his Clemson teammates who helped lead the camp were three offensive linemen: Tristan Leigh, Ryan Linthicum and Blake Miller. Others were defensive end Cade Denhoff, cornerback Shelton Lewis, safety RJ Mickens, wide receiver Cole Turner and wide receiver Antonio Williams.

“It means a lot to have them here,” Klubnik said. “I didn’t ask them to do that. They didn’t have to give up their Saturday. Guys saw my post on social media about the camp and a few of them asked if they could come and give back to the community.”