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Clemson

Dabo Swinney evaluates Cade Klubnik's progress during spring

IMG_6598by:Nick Kosko•04/19/23•

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(Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Dabo Swinney was encouraged by Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik’s progress during spring practice.

Klubnik himself acknowledged steps forward, but left room for improvement after the spring game. Swinney was high on Klubnik’s ability to extend plays and get outside the pocket.

That type of play could really give the quarterback chances to make a highlight reel for Clemson this season.

“He made some great off-schedule plays and extended plays,” Swinney said. “I mean, that’s what you love. That’s what I love to see. The rest of it will come together when it needs to be, you know, a couple of tough breaks. I mean, it was a great play by Nate. I mean, the ball is right on the money. And it’s, you know, we’ve kind of played a little short and at worst it needs to be incomplete. But we were kind of tight to the body and Nate reached around tupped it and those are supposed to be picks, you know …  

“But he did a heck of a job and what you love about him is, man he can extend. I mean, he can really turn you know 2.8 seconds in eight, nine seconds. It’s just hard … But he’s had a great spring for sure. A really, really good spring. And I’m just pleased with what we’ve been able to get in and so yeah, as being incomplete, yes, we know that but we still have been able to get everything installed. We’ve still been able to lay a good foundation. And now it’s going to come together nicely. I really believe that.”

In his first season, Klubnik appeared in 10 games and finished 61-of-100 passing for 697 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. But with a full offseason of work and the expectation to lead the team, it could be a breakout year for the young signal caller.

As Swinney alluded to, Klubnik has a chance to be special.

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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 overall prospect in the class.