Dabo Swinney discusses whether five-star QB Cade Klubnik has shot at Clemson starting job

Clemson just added even more talent to the quarterback room in On3 Consensus five-star Cade Klubnik. Klubnik officially signed with Clemson on Wednesday’s National Signing Day. He is listed as the 20th overall player nationally and the top quarterback in the 2022 On3 Consensus rankings.

The Tigers already have tremendous talent at quarterback in D.J. Uiagalelei. But Clemson’s offense struggled mightily this season in Uiagalelei’s first season as the starter. Uiagalelei completed 54.7% of his passes for 2,059 yards, nine touchdowns and nine interceptions, adding 98 rushes for 304 yards and four touchdowns.

Swinney wouldn’t dive too far into Clemson’s plan at quarterback between Klubnik and Uiagalelei, but the Tigers coach said that Clemson is glad to have as much talent as they will in the quarterback room.

“I’d say the same thing that I’ve always said. You don’t ever know where they are until you get them here, you start coaching them, they transition away from home,” Swinney said of Klubnik playing a role in Clemson’s quarterback room. “The game’s different. Physicality. But you know, we’re going to be pretty blessed to have the two quarterbacks. There’s very few programs in the country that’s going to have two quarterbacks like DJ and Cade. It’s going to be a great situation for us and excited to see everyone elevate this spring when we get a little healthier, get these mid-years in here, get these alignments in here. It’s going to be a big shot in the arm for us.”

Uiagalelei, a former On3 Consensus five-star himself, led Clemson to a 9-3 record this season. After a slow start, the Tigers began to find their groove, winning the final five games of the season. Clemson takes on Iowa State in the Cheez-It Bowl on Dec. 29.

Swinney is excited about what Klubnik brings to Clemson

Whether he plays next year or not, Swinney knows that he has a special football player joining his roster in Klubnik. He has won at every level, and that is reflected in his impressive rankings.

“He’s a winner, he’s a big time winner,” Swinney said. “And it’s a high, high level of football. So he’s just real well prepared. But his skill set, incredibly accurate, can extend, can create, and just has a great feel for where everyone is on the field. He’s a good one.

“There’s a reason why he’s the number one guy in the country. He’s proven that, he’s earned that. Every competitive environment that he’s gone to, he’s risen to the top. So super exciting to have another coming in here of that caliber.”