Dabo Swinney gives insight on relationship between D.J. Uiagalelei and Cade Klubnik

DJ Uiagalelei made his 2022 debut while Cade Klubnik made his college football debut last night for Clemson. Uiagalelei was the starter and put up a great performance in comparison to his sophomore year. Meanwhile, Klubnik came in with an eye-catching drive to end the fourth quarter. While everyone has been attempting to pit them against one another, Dabo Swinney says that relationship in the Tiger’s QB room couldn’t be better.

Swinney talked about the connection between Uiagalelei and Klubnik after Clemson’s win over Georgia Tech. Before anything else, he spoke highly of the people the two quarterbacks are rather than the players.

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“They’re just, first of all, great kids. They’re both just incredible young men. Both (are) very humble, great leaders, and really, really talented,” said Swinney. “They support each other. It’s been awesome.”

Uiagalelei opened his season with a 19/32 performance for 209 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for an additional score. After he put the game on ice, Klubnik came in for the final possession of the fourth. The true freshman completed four of his six passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. The best part was after Klubnik found Will Taylor in the endzone, the first player off the sideline and celebrating with Klubnik was Uiagalelei.

Dabo Swinney couldn’t have been happier with the play of both quarterbacks. Rather than breaking them up, he gave each credit individually for their success Monday night.

“DJ had to kind of fight through some adversity and just really show the grit and moxie. He made some big plays with his feet, extending plays, made some beautiful throws…I’m just proud of him,” said Swinney. “And then for Cade to be able to get in there and the moment not be too big? Just poised, accurate, and made some great plays. Very good decision maker, showed his aptitude, and how he can process things.”

Uiagalelei versus Klubnik will remain a storyline throughout the season. If Uiagalelei regresses back to his 2021 version, Klubnik may very well get the call up. However, Dabo Swinney is more than happy with what his quarterback situation is right now. Rather than having just one guy like some teams do, he believes both are more than capable of leading the Tigers to the ultimate prize at the end.

“It’s a good situation for us. It’s the most important position in football and we’ve got guys that can go win.”