Cade Klubnik analyzes his play in Clemson spring game

There are a lot of expectations surrounding Cade Klubnik and Clemson for the 2023 season, but the quarterback was honest about himself.

He analyzed his play in the spring game and while he acknowledged he made some big plays, there was room for improvement. Klubnik was complimentary of the Clemson secondary, which caused a few issues for the offense.

But based on the spring game, Klubnik could take a big step forward.

“You know, lots of ups and downs,” Klubnik said of his spring game performance. “But you know, I think as a whole, just super excited to see (what’s to come). “Put some long drives together, had some big plays. I had a couple of good scrambles. But overall, I mean, I feel like we have great protection up front, I had  a lot of time. I think our DBs on the other side were the best that I’ve seen them ever play. They did a heck of a job and I think we did a great job around the ball. I think that was one of our best things today.”

In his first season, Klubnik appeared in 10 games and finished 61-of-100 passing for 697 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. But with a full offseason of work and the expectation to lead the team, it could be a breakout year for the young signal caller.

“The biggest thing, he’s been here a year, but he’s way different,” head coach Dabo Swinney said on the broadcast of the team’s spring game. “He’s about 20 pounds heavier. He was light when he got here, so physically he’s in a better spot. And now he just, he knows what it looks like. He’s had a tour of duty, if you will.

“He’s got experience and he’s got really good knowledge. He’s been in some games, he’s had some big moments, he’s had some mistakes. But he’s been a leader from Day 1, but now he’s really just asserted himself since he really took it over there in the championship game. ‘Hey, this is my team,’ and his eyes have been forward.”

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As a member of the Class of 2022, Klubnik was a five-star recruit out of Austin (Texas) Westlake, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 4 overall prospect in the state, the No. 1 quarterback in the class and the No. 18 overall prospect in the class.