Dabo Swinney addresses future of Clemson QB DJ Uiagalelei

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Cade Klubnik era is officially underway for Clemson.

Klubnik came off the bench to lead the Tigers to an ACC championship win over North Carolina on Saturday, accounting for more than 300 yards of offense and a pair of touchdowns in a 39-10.

Klubnik entered the game in the third series after back-to-back 3-and-outs by DJ Uiagalelei.

Tigers coach Dabo Swinney said after the game that Klubnik will start the bowl game and is Clemson’s starter moving forward.

“DJ, he’s a special person. He handles everything the right way,” Swinney said. “He handles everything with class. He understood.”

Uiagalelei is set to graduate later this month, and it appears likely that he will move on from Clemson, whether it be after this game or after the bowl game.

The junior could enter the NFL draft or could transfer elsewhere.

Either way, it appears as though a change of scenery is likely for the California native.

“Moving forward, Cade will be the starter going in and DJ will be the backup. We’ll keep moving forward. He graduates in a week or so, so he’s got a bright future. He’s got a bright, bright future as a football player,” Swinney said.

“He’s a guy that will always have a special place in my heart. Nobody’s ever worked harder. Nobody’s ever been more respected in our program. These guys love DJ and I do, too.”

Uiagalelei was 2-for-5 passing for 10 yards on Saturday, prior to leaving the game.

For the season, he has completed 62 percent of his passes for 2,521 yards, with 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Uiagalelei has also rushed for seven scores.

However, with him struggling Saturday, Clemson turned to Klubnik and the freshman couldn’t have played better.

“It brought a spark, for sure. It brought energy,” Tigers offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter said. “Guys did a great job of making plays around him. He did a great job of being ready. … It’s such a great lesson for everybody to learn.”