Mafah says Klubnik Has ‘Stepped Up as a Leader’

CHARLOTTE — Phil Mafah arrived at Clemson in 2021, and Cade Klubnik came to Tiger Town a year later.

Now, Klubnik enters his second full season as the Tigers’ starting quarterback in 2024, while Mafah is coming off a career year in 2023 and enters this season as the unquestioned bell cow running back following the departure of Will Shipley to the NFL.

Klubnik and Mafah will both play major roles in Clemson’s offense once again this season, and from Mafah’s perspective, Klubnik has taken a big step forward as a leader going into his upcoming junior campaign.

“He stepped up as a vocal leader, as a field general out there,” Mafah said at the 2024 ACC Football Kickoff on Thursday. “I’m really proud of him. I can see the offense doing really well this year because of the guys that came back. We got a lot of guys back.”

Mafah is confident in Clemson’s offense, which enters its second year under the direction of offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, and Mafah is excited to see what Klubnik does in Year 2 as the Tigers’ QB1.

“I’m just excited to see the growth in the guys, honestly,” Mafah said. “We’ve put a lot of work in this offseason. Just seeing Cade, how he’s stepped up as a leader, I just know he’s going to do great this season. I just can’t wait to see it, actually go out there and play.”

As for how Mafah’s relationship with Klubnik has evolved over their time together at Clemson, Mafah said it has grown into a “great” bond.

“We just took a trip down to Sea Island, spent a great time together, worshipping, fellowship,” Mafah said. “He’s my brother in Christ. I love that dude. He cares about this team so much. He’s taken a great step this offseason just to get closer to the guys, help to bring unity within the offense and defense.”

Mafah heads into this season having recorded 345 rushing attempts for 1,772 yards and 20 touchdowns over 36 career games (seven starts), while Klubnik enters 2024 having completed 63.4 percent of his passes for 3,541 yards with 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over 23 career games (14 starts).

–Nell Redmond/ACC