Cade Klubnik reveals how he's grown this offseason, become more of a leader

Cade Klubnik is stepping into his place as Clemson’s QB1 this fall. A lot comes with that position with the Tigers but, considering how far he has come this offseason, he feels like he is ready to shoulder that load in Death Valley.

Klubnik spoke with the broadcast crew at the 2023 ACC Football Kickoff about his development over this spring and summer. He said much of it has stemmed from his experience playing last season for Clemson, specifically in their final two games.

“I think just experience. Just getting to continue to learn this through the game,” Klubnik said. “I almost feel like it, honestly, reminds me a lot of my sophomore high school year. I got a sneak peek. But, when I came back my junior year of high school, I felt like a veteran.”

“Coming into this next year, I feel like I’ve gotten a taste of everything,” said Klubnik. “I’ve gotten the taste of winning, I’ve gotten the taste of losses. That’s a good feeling because I know that I get to come in with experience. I’m not hot off the stove. I’m ready.”

From there, Klubnik also added that he has grown in the leadership department. He has found some ways to become comfortable in that space and, in turn, feels ready to step into that role for his teammates.

“I feel like, just going into this offseason, I’ve stepped up as a leader. I’ve been able to fully kind of go back to myself and step into that role. And kind of push guys in places they haven’t been before,” said Klubnik. “That’s been the biggest thing for me. It’s just stepping in that role.”

As far as how he has gone about his improvement, Klubnik noted how much of it has come from a lot of studying. From film and playbooks to repetitions on the field, he says he has gone above and beyond in study hall and on the field in order for his game to take the next step at the college level.

“First of all, just continue to watch as much film as I can. Obviously, going to a college level? The defense is a major jump,” Klubnik said. “I remember, in high school, I had a great high school coach that helped me learn how to read defense and stuff like that. But, once you get to college, it’s a lot more inside the box, learning blitzes, protection-wise, and stuff like that.”

“Just continuing to learn that, especially in a new offense like we have now. Just continuing to learn schematically. And then just continuing to step up,” said Klubnik. “I think reps is just, honestly, the most important part. Just continue to get reps.”

Much is expected of Klubnik considering he’s a former top quarterback recruit and with how Clemson’s offense is supposed to change around him this season. That’s why he’s taking his development seriously in order to give a great payoff to the Tigers over the course of the upcoming campaign.