Cade Klubnik praises senior leadership, support system during freshman year

After coming in and dominating North Carolina in the ACC championship game, Clemson freshman quarterback Cade Klubnik has been receiving praise left and right. After the game, Klubnik elected to shower some of that praise onto his senior leadership. The true freshman quarterback gave a list of senior players who have been a support system for him this season.

Yeah, I’m gonna miss our seniors; I really am. Just getting here in January, the impact that they’ve all had on me,” said From J-Mac (Jordan McFadden) to (Tyler) Davis and Luke Price. But definitely KJ (Henry) for sure. He’s in our little locker section, he’s been awesome, and JP (Jayln Phillips). I’m definitely gonna miss those dudes. They’ve meant a lot to me, and just super thankful for all of them.

Klubnik dominated the Tar Heels’ defense, completing 20 of his 24 pass attempts for 279 yards with one passing touchdown. He was also the tigers leading rusher on the game, with seven carries for 30 yards and a rushing touchdown. Overall it was an impressive performance from the true freshmen against one of the top teams in the ACC. And Klubnik’s performance against North Carolina has earned him the starting nod in Clemson’s Orange Bowl matchup against Tennessee.

Swinney sets expectations for Klubnik in first career start, Orange Bowl

Klubik bursted onto the scene this weekend, taking over the offense in the team’s third series of the game in the ACC Championship and leading the Tigers to a 39-10 win over North Carolina. Klubnik’s performance earned him his first career start in the Tigers’ upcoming bowl game, as they’ll take on Tennessee in the Orange Bowl, and head coach Dabo Swinney spoke on what he expects in his first start.

“Hopefully just first of all great preparation like he’s been having, but just playing within the system and just being smart with the ball and just doing what he’s coached to do, and I thought he did an amazing job of that last night,” Swinney said.

“So really just hopefully pick up where he left off, but he’s accurate, made good decisions outside of maybe one or two in the run game,” Swinney explained. “He extended some plays, did some things with his legs, so just to continue again to play within the system, bring that great energy, and protect the football.”

Klubnik’s elite play certainly earned him the right to start in the Orange Bowl, but it was made certain following quarterback DJ Uiagalelei‘s recent decision to enter the transfer portal on Monday.