DJ Uiagalelei explains process of mentoring Cade Klubnik

Clemson QB DJ Uiagalelei has his back against the wall entering 2022. While Dabo Swinney is backing his starting quarterback, Uiagalelei is in a position where he needs to play well or freshman Cade Klubnik may get a chance to play early on. That scenario could lead to animosity between the two. However, that doesn’t sound like it’s the case at Clemson. Uiagalelei is apparently taking Klubnik under his wing.

Uiagalelei talked about his early relationship with the product out of Austin, Texas at ACC Media Day. He says he’s passing on what former Tiger QB Trevor Lawrence taught him when he was in Klubnik’s position.

“I tried to tell him the same stuff that Trevor told me. First of all, Cade is a great player, great teammate, and a great leader. He brings a lot of affection and brings a youth to the quarterback room and also to the team,” said Uiagalelei. “I’m super excited to see him play.”

Uiagalelei took over for Lawrence last season and underperformed. He threw just nine touchdowns compared to 10 interceptions. If he were to repeat those numbers again, it would open for the door for Klubnik to take the starting spot. Klubnik was the No. 1 QB and the No. 21 player in his class according to On3’s 2020 Consensus Top Football Recruits. While he will start one day for the Tigers, it may come sooner than anticipated depending on Uiagalelei’s performance.

That doesn’t matter to DJ, though. He says he’s showing him the ropes to playing the position at Clemson and setting him up for success, whether now or in the future.

“(I’m) kind of just trying to give him wise words that Trevor did and just help him along this process. Just trying to give him just different steps to where it can help him out just to be able to be a great player,” said Uiagalelei.

Uiagalelei is presumed to be the starter ahead of Clemson’s opener against Georgia Tech. Klubnik will be right behind him, though, as he awaits his first college snaps. It’s a great problem for Swinney to have but it remains to be seen who earns the edge throughout the year for the Tigers.