CLEMSON — During his conference call with the media earlier this week, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was asked about his starting quarterback — and if Swinney would characterize Cade Klubnik’s play as “elite” at the moment.
Swinney says there’s “no question” that’s the case with Klubnik.
Through six games this season, the junior signal-caller has completed 66.8 percent of his passes for 1,528 yards and 17 touchdowns with just two interceptions, and only one pick since the season opener against Georgia.
Klubnik has also rushed for 198 yards and four more scores on 35 carries (5.7 yards per attempt).
“It’s only six games, but there’s no doubt he’s playing at an elite level,” Swinney said. “I haven’t looked at everybody’s statistics, but I would say he’s probably right there with the best of the best in the country in just about anything, I guess. So, I think that’s elite. But he’d be the first one to tell you, there’s still a lot of room for improvement. There’s more there. He’s still a developing player.”
A former five-star prospect, Klubnik ranks third nationally in total QBR among FBS quarterbacks who don’t play at a service academy, according to former longtime Clemson Sports Information Director Tim Bourret.
Bourret also noted that Klubnik has the most touchdown passes with two interceptions or less in the nation.
During Clemson’s five-game winning streak, when Klubnik has been on the field, Clemson’s offense has produced 28 total touchdowns, 8.2 yards per play and 32 20-yard plays while punting only nine times.
“I’m just really proud of him,” Swinney said of Klubnik. “Again, from the first time he got here to where he is now, this is what you expect in a great player and a guy that has the tools that he has. He’s just grown. He’s been very coachable, he’s grown through some success and setbacks and failures. He’s just got a lot of confidence, and he really understands all aspects of the game. He’s using all of his tools, and when he makes a bad play, it doesn’t carry over. He moves on.
“Guys are making plays for him too,” Swinney added. “So, it’s fun to see it come together. I’m proud of all those guys. We’ve got a run game supporting him, too, and he’s just really doing a nice job for us.”
As well as Klubnik has played to this point in the season, Swinney reiterated that he hasn’t hit his ceiling yet and there’s still room for the 6-foot-2, 210-pounder to improve.
“Again, from my perspective, there’s more there — and he’ll tell you the same thing — in how we see things from a detailed standpoint from what we know we still can do,” Swinney said. “But comparatively to probably everybody in the country, I would say he’s right there with the best of the best… I would find it hard to believe that there’s many guys ahead of where he is as far as what he’s done in six games.”
The 10th-ranked Tigers take on Virginia Saturday (noon, ACCN) at Memorial Stadium.
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