Dabo Swinney says Cade Klubnik is 'way different' this spring

Clemson is wrapping up its spring football practice with the annual spring game on Saturday, and coach Dabo Swinney has had the pleasure of showing off a new and improved Cade Klubnik at quarterback.

The former five-star prospect began to see serious action late in the 2022 season, when he took over for incumbent starter DJ Uiagalelei.

Klubnik didn’t have perfect results but definitely flashed some major potential while trying to take the Tigers to another level offensively. He was very good in the ACC Championship Game against North Carolina, going 20-of-24 passing for 279 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 30 yards and another score.

“The biggest thing, he’s been here a year, but he’s way different,” Swinney said on the broadcast of the team’s spring game. “He’s about 20 pounds heavier. He was light when he got here, so physically he’s in a better spot. And now he just, he knows what it looks like. He’s had a tour of duty, if you will.”

On the season, Klubnik finished 61-of-100 passing for 697 yards and two touchdowns, against three interceptions. He ran for 139 yards and two scores, as well.

Clemson is hoping he can begin to reach his full potential. And there’s a lot of it.

Now in his second spring in college, Cade Klubnik was ranked as a five-star prospect out of high school, checking in as the No. 17 overall player in the nation in the 2022 recruiting class. He was the No. 1 quarterback in the class.

He’ll be looking to help guide Clemson back to the College Football Playoffs for the first time since 2020. The Tigers have still won 10 games each of the last two years, but they haven’t been quite up to the lofty standards Swinney helped create.

If he’s as advertised, Klubnik can help change that.

“He’s got experience and he’s got really good knowledge,” Swinney said. “He’s been in some games, he’s had some big moments, he’s had some mistakes. But he’s been a leader from Day 1, but now he’s really just asserted himself since he really took it over there in the championship game. ‘Hey, this is my team,’ and his eyes have been forward.”

More than anything, Swinney has been impressed with Cade Klubnik’s attitude throughout the spring.

Saturday’s spring game is the reward for a month of excellent productivity, especially getting used to working with new offensive coordinator Garrett Riley.

“He’s a great worker,” Swinney said. “He’s always on the field, he’s always got the guys pulling together and he’s picked things up really well. This has been a natural fit for him with Garrett.”