Cade Klubnik reflects on first season with Garrett Riley

Cade Klubnik saw improvements in his first year with Garrett Riley calling the offense. The Clemson offensive coordinator could’ve been better, as Tigers could have as a whole, but there were definitely positives.

Klubnik pulled back the curtain on Riley taking the job and basically starting from scratch. Perhaps going through growing pains in 2023 will lead to ultimate success in 2024.

That’s how the young Clemson quarterback sees it.

“People don’t give him enough credit to have to come into a brand new place where he has never been, doesn’t know a soul, doesn’t even know the offensive staff,” Klubnik said of Riley. “He had to come in and teach every single player the offense. Well, he also had to teach every single coach the offense. That’s a lot on him.”

Following the Gator Bowl win, Klubnik had a positive conversation with his offensive coordinator.

“I mean, I told him after the game, there’s not another person that I would want right there with me,” Klubnik said. “I mean, just so thankful for him. We’re sitting there 4-4, and he just comes in just playing some music and with a smile on his face in the meetings and just never flinches. Just somebody that I can count on.

“Just freaking love him to death, and just so proud of him and thankful for him. The way that he has led me and led this offense and led this QB room, that’s what’s made the difference in my opinion.”

In a full year as the starter, Klubnik finished with 2,844 yards, 19 touchdowns, nine interceptions and a 63.9% completion percentage. He also had 182 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.

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 quarterback in the class.

As Klubnik referenced, Clemson was 4-4 and it looked like it was going to be a bitter end for the Tigers. However, the team ripped off five wins in a row, including ranked wins over Notre Dame and North Carolina.

Klubnik was a big part of that, as well as Riley’s evolution of running the offense. How that translates to 2024 remains to be seen, but it’s a good start.