Cade Klubnik shares what he’s gained from watching film with Dabo Swinney

Cade Klubnik doesn’t take head coach Dabo Swinney‘s wisdom for granted. On Wednesday, the Clemson QB revealed how watching film with Swinney has improved his game.

“Just looking at last year’s film versus Wake [Forest], I think that was one of my worst games last year. And I just feel like I’m a totally different player,” Klubnik said. “My confidence and just the way that I’ve grown and really just kind of seen the fruits of my hard work really come to life has been fun.

“Working with Coach Swinney, and the things that he teaches me and coaches me on, it’s really helpful. He’s had a great career of college quarterbacks that he’s coached, and that’s somebody that you definitely want to listen to. So, it’s been really helpful.”

Klubnik is having a record year. Through five games, the junior QB has tallied 1,219 passing yards and 14 touchdowns compared to just two interceptions. For reference, Klubnik only threw 19 touchdowns in the entire 2023 campaign.

Further, Klubnik’s legs have become a far greater rushing threat this season, already boasting 168 yards and four touchdowns in the ground game. Klubnik finished the 2023 campaign with only 14 more yards despite recording 97 more carries.

Most recently, Cade Klubnik completed 19-of-his-33 pass attempts for 235 yards and two scores while also notching 62 rushing yards in the Tigers’ 29-13 win over Florida State. Klubnik points to his film sessions with Swinney as a significant factor behind his recent success.

“He’s coached so many guys that I’ve looked up to over the years, and guys that are still playing in the league,” Klubnik said. “But just there’s a lot of things that that he knows, that nobody else really knows, and little secrets about playing true college quarterback at an elite level that that I get to have full access to. So, it’s really fun.”

Clemson fans are certainly enjoying the benefits of the pair’s hard work. Sitting at 3-0 against conference foes, Clemson holds sole possession of the No. 1 spot in the ACC standings. On Saturday, the Tigers will look to add to their résumé as they square off against Wake Forest at noon ET on ESPN.