Cade Klubnik explains how he's been able to be a spark for his teammates

The Clemson Tigers made a change at quarterback in the ACC Championship game from DJ Uiagalelei to Cade Klublink. That change became permanent when Klubnik was named the Tigers starting quarterback for the upcoming Orange Bowl matchup against Tennessee, and Uiagalelei elected to transfer to Oregon State.

The change in quarterback has been received well by Clemson’s offense as the team has rallied around their true freshman signal caller; something that the Volunteers’ defense is well aware of. As the Tigers get ready for their extra Orange Bowl showdown, Klubnik explained how he’s been able to be a spark for his teammates while providing a much-needed jolt of energy to the offense.

“I think I’m always full of energy. I think I’ve always been that way, especially with the game of football; I love playing it more than anything,” said Klubnik. “So, every time I get an opportunity to go out there, I’m going to give it everything I have. But I’ve also been blessed with the opportunity to lead. So, every time I get to do that chance to do that, I lead the best I can. And I’m just full of energy and always encouraging.”

Klubnik took over the offense in the team’s third series of the game in the ACC Championship and never looked back. He ended up leading the Tigers to a 39-10 win over North Carolina. His performance helped ignite the Tigers’ offense, which has been wildly inconsistent this year. And to beat Tennessee come Friday, they will need a repeat performance and boost of energy from their new starting quarterback.

What role transfer QB Paul Tyson will have at Clemson

Transfer QB Paul Tyson won’t battle with Klubnik and Christopher Vizzina for the starting job in 2023. But he will provide depth and be counted on to help the younger QBs on Clemson’s roster next season.

“We’re honest. We’re transparent. I wasn’t looking for a guy to come in here and be the starter. We think we have that,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “But we needed an older guy, who has been through a lot of game plans, a lot of practices. Somebody who’s got a level of maturity to him. A Hunter Johnson situation — that’s what we needed.”

Tyson is exactly what Clemson was looking for as a college QB with four years of experience.

He was a backup at Alabama from 2019-21, before transferring to Arizona State and serving in a backup role there this season. Tyson appeared in one game for the Sun Devils this year and entered the transfer portal earlier this month.