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Clemson

Dabo Swinney reveals mindset behind playing Cade Klubnik, plan moving forward

Nikki Chavanelleby:Nikki Chavanelle•09/06/22•

NikkiChavanelle

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(Byrum/Getty Images)

The Clemson Tigers took care of business versus Georgia Tech in the season opener, posting a dominant 41-10 victory over their ACC foes. After starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei set up a comfortable lead for the Tigers, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney put in backup Cade Klubnik, the Tigers’ highly-touted freshman.

Klubnik entered the game with 5:02 remaining in the fourth quarter. He led Clemson down the field for a touchdown, completing 4 of 6 passes for 49 yards and a score.

“He did an awesome job and sparked us,” Swinney said after the game. “For Cade to be able to get in there and the moment not be too big, just poised, accurate. Made some great plays. Very good decision maker. Showed his aptitude and how he can process things.”

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“Offensively, putting Cade in, we weren’t trying to run the score up but we needed him to play,” Swinney explained. “Like I didn’t need him to go in there and hand the ball off, I needed him to play and man, our backup receivers did a great job. He did an awesome job and sparked us so, it was a lot of fun.”

Swinney explains plan for Klubnik moving forward

The national championship-winning head coach told reporters he plans to play Klubnik as much as possible. He referenced Uiagalelei’s freshman campaign that saw him throw for 914 yards in relief of an injured Trevor Lawrence.

“Just like we said, and no different than when DJ came in here when Trevor was the starter, we wanted to give DJ as much opportunity as we can,” Swinney said. “We definitely want to get Cade as much opportunity as we can within the flow of the game and within the flow of the season. You know, really proud of him and how he’s started, that’s going to be huge for his confidence. I’m really glad it worked out that he was able to get in there as opposed to waiting another week to get your first snap. Because now, he’s got a taste of it and not only that but on the road.”

Klubnik was the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the nation in the 2022 signing class. He was a five-star and the No. 18 recruit in the country, according to the On3 Consensus.