Dabo Swinney explains what changes for Cade Klubnik as he transitions to starting QB

With freshman Cade Klubnik taking over the helm as the starting quarterback for the Clemson Tigers, big changes are on the horizon for him. As he begins his transition from backup to starting quarterback going forward, head coach Dabo Swinney highlights what transitions and changes Klubnik will face.

“A lot of changes. The light gets a lot brighter, and everybody’s going to be rooting for the backup,” said Swinney. “Your mistakes get magnified. If you don’t come in here right on that day, it gets magnified. The scrutiny gets a lot greater; that just comes with it.

“We rep our two quarterbacks equally. But now he’s repping with all the ones. He’s always gotten some reps, but now he’s getting all the ones. And he has to lead now from out front. Not that he’s not leading, but he’s the guy. So there’s a lot that comes with that. But this kid’s been doing it a long time. He’s well-prepared, ready, and excited to have this opportunity.”

Klubnik took over the offense in the team’s third series of the game in the ACC Championship and never looked back. He ended up leading the Tigers to a 39-10 win over North Carolina. Klubnik’s performance earned him his first career start in the Tigers’ upcoming bowl game, as they’ll take on Tennessee in the Orange Bowl. But with previous starter DJ Uiagalelei opting to enter the transfer portal, Klubnik is now the man running the show, and all eyes will be on him.

Klubnik discusses changes in mindset as starting QB

Klubnik‘s mindset remained constant all season long – prepare like you’re the starter. Now that he’s been given the reigns as Clemson‘s starting quarterback, that notion remains true heading into bowl season.

“All the way back to the first game. Just preparing every week, late nights, early mornings. Obviously [being the starter] just goes up another level and I think that kind of started going into the UNC game,” Klubnik said after practice Wednesday. “My preparation doesn’t change, just the amount of intensity that I have in practice and off the field.”

Clemson’s fanbase had been clamoring for Klubnik to replace former starter Uiagalelei for a while. When head coach Dabo Swinney elected to make the QB chance after Uiagalelei threw just five passes in the ACC title game – including one incompletion on a simple out route that he threw right into the ground.