Cade Klubnik opens up on adjustment to Garrett Riley's offense

Cade Klubnik made easy adjustments to Garrett Riley’s offense when the new offensive coordinator came to Clemson this offseason.

Riley helped pilot TCU to the national championship last season and decided to take the next challenge: Clemson and Klubnik. Klubnik is a former five-star prospect that eventually stepped in last season as a freshman and showed flashes.

Together, Klubnik and Riley hope he can take the next step and it sounds like the offense allows that possibility.

“Obviously it’s a new offense that we’re super excited about,” Klubnik said. “But just Coach Riley, it’s been great to have him and just the energy that he brings, the confidence that he brings, and you know, it’s a player friendly offense. And you know, it’s been great so far.”

Klubnik, as mentioned before, had flashes last season when he stepped in for D.J. Uiagalelei. Now, there are expectations for the young quarterback to get Clemson back to the top.

In 10 games last season, Klubnik went 61-of-100 passing (61%) for 697 yards, two touchdowns, three interceptions, 42 carries, 139 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.

“We’ve got potential to be really great. There’s no doubt about that,” Clemson running back Will Shipley said. “With all of the weapons and pieces that we have, starting with No. 2 at quarterback. He leads the offense. He leads this football team. And there’s no better guy to do it.”

Clemson’s offensive ability to perform against a defense primed to be one of the best in the ACC yet again is a great sign, and so is Klubnik maturing as a quarterback with his perspective and approach to the game.

“The other thing, and kind of my standpoint and all the QBs in general, is in scrimmages and stuff like that we can kind of get antsy to take big shots and you want to make the big plays,” Klubnik explained. “But it’s just taking what they give you. Taking the easy stuff and taking the hitch route, taking the little slant and ultimately that’s what puts drives together. We’re not looking for a touchdown every single play, we’re just looking to get the next first down.”

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.