During his high school days at Austin-Westlake, very little went wrong for Cade Klubnik.
Clemson’s starting quarterback was undefeated as a starter during his high school career, leading his team to back-to-back state titles during his junior and senior seasons. He was the USA Today Offensive Player of the Year in 2020 and 2021, as well as the MVP of the Elite 11 in 2021.
All of that success led Klubik to being a 5-star prospect, with multiple recruiting services ranking him as the top quarterback in his class.
So when Klubnik arrived at Clemson, adversity was not something he had faced very often. That all changed a year ago, during the quarterback’s first season as the Tigers’ full-time starter.
Klubnik was the focal point of a lot of vitriol online, from media and fans alike, with many already labeling him a bust. Fast forward a year, and Klubnik is playing as well as any quarterback in the country. After a tough opener against Georgia, the junior signal caller has rebounded and in a big way, posting a QBR of 99 in the wins over App State and NC State. Something no quarterback has done since 2004.
“I think he’s got a good understanding,” head coach Dabo Swinney said on Tuesday. “It is good for him with what he went through last year and what he had to battle through, because the kid really hadn’t had a lot of football adversity. I don’t think he really had a lot of criticism. It had kind of all gone perfect for him. So, he’s got a good balance and he understands it can turn just like that.”
With some of those lessons now learned, Klubnik is looking like the 5-star many envisioned he would be the moment he stepped on the field at Clemson and he has grown into the leader the Tigers’ offense needs.
“He is the same guy every day,” Swinney said. “He wasn’t any different the Monday after the Georgia game than he was this Monday after NC State. And that is a quality you want to see in your quarterback.”
“You got to block out all the noise, whether it’s bad or it’s good. None of that stuff is good for you. Just lock in on and fall in love with the preparation. Because that is what it takes. I mean, it is fun to win, but can you go win again. That’s what you got to love.”
The results are speaking for themselves. Klubnik’s QBR of 93.3 is third best in the country. He has thrown for eight touchdowns and rushed for three more in the past two games. He has just one interception on the season, an area he has drastically improved in after his struggles with turnovers last year.
After the start the offense experienced in the season-opener against Georgia, the unit was in desperate need of a steady hand, and that is exactly what Klubnik has provided.
“He’s got a routine and routines are very important in how you get yourself ready,” Swinney said. “But his spirit at practice every day and the way he comes to work, the way he has grown as a leader, it’s fun. You’re just seeing a transformation of a young player growing into a more mature, seasoned veteran.”
A limited number of signed replica road signs from Cade Klubnik are available! Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!
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