Dabo Swinney raves about performance of Cade Klubnik in loss vs. Texas

The Clemson Tigers came up short in the College Football Playoff, dropping their first round game to the Texas Longhorns. However, head coach Dabo Swinney doesn’t believe any of the loss falls on his quarterback Cade Klubnik.

Following the game, Swinney praised Klubnik not just for how he competed against Texas but for how he played throughout the season, leading to a bright future.

“Not many people that’s got many yards on that group [Texas],” Dabo Swinney said. “They’re really good and, again, missed a few opportunities to punch it in right there on fourth and one. We think we had it if we stayed outside and kind of cut in, but we just didn’t get it done. He’s just a competitor. That kid, he’s one of the guys that spoke up in there and just talked about — he said this is the most fun he’s ever had playing football. This team, this year. Most fun he’s ever had. Pretty strong statement.”

Cade Klubnik completed 26 of 43 passes for 336 yards and three touchdowns in the loss to Texas. He also had an interception and five yards rushing on 13 carries. It was a strong performance to cap off a strong season, even with the loss.

“I think that speaks to the closeness of this group. But he’s an unbelievable player, number one,” Swinney said. “Great young man, he’s just grown into this amazing leader of a really close group. You’re just never out of it with him. He’ll always give you a chance. It’s disappointing — certainly we wanted to win the game. He didn’t do anything to take away from the type of season he’s had this year. It’s been outstanding, just an amazing year, and he’ll build on it.”

From there, Dabo Swinney went on to praise the talent around Cade Klubnik on offense, particularly at skill positions. It’s that young talent, in part, that has him excited about the future of the Tigers with a now experienced quarterback.

“Saw a lot of young talent. How about T.J. Moore out there tonight? Had some big plays. [Bryant] Wesco making plays. Got a lot of young talent. [Phil] Mafah couldn’t go after halftime. I knew that was probably it for him. Hey, saw some other guys get in there and do some stuff. Slipped Adam [Randall] in there, played a little running back for us today too, popped some runs. There was a lot of bright things,” Swinney said.

“Again, it’s always sad when it ends, even when it ends great. We’ve got a lot of guys coming back. We’ve got a really good football team. Payton Page, Barrett Carter, and Marcus Tate, and [Jake Briningstool], and R.J. Mickens. The example those guys have set — and Mafah — it’s a special, special group of people. There’s a lot of young guys that have got a ton of great experience this year that I think we can build on, and add to, as well.”

Cade Klubnik just finished his junior season at Clemson. He will now have the opportunity to either declare for the NFL Draft, transfer, or return to Clemson. When asked about his future, Klubnik shut down talk about it and emphasized his focus on the emotions of the night.