Former Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence offers advice to Cade Klubnik

Former Clemson star quarterback Trevor Lawrence is well aware of the expectations Cade Klubnik is currently dealing with.

Before being drafted No. 1 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021, Lawrence starred at Clemson and had to manage lofty expectations as well.

Lawrence made an appearance on CBS Sports radio on Wednesday and was asked what advice he would give to Klubnik. He provided a detailed answer.

“My advice would be I think consistency is really an underrated characteristic in what we do,” Lawrence said. “Not only on the field. I think everyone talks about on the field. But off the field, just being the same person every day.”

Klubnik appeared in 10 games this past season, making one start. He completed 61 percent of his passes and threw for 697 yards, with two touchdowns and three interceptions.

Klubnik had an up-and-down first year at Clemson, including starring for the Tigers in the ACC championship game against North Carolina, before struggling at times in the season finale against Tennessee in the Orange Bowl.

Lawrence also spoke about the importance of managing the highs and lows of being a quarterback.

“Weather the storm. There’s going to be ups and downs. You see this year for him – I think the team had a pretty good season, but being a freshman and playing a little bit and kind of in and out of games, then finally getting a shot at the end of the year – there’s going to be some challenges moving forward,” Lawrence said. “And the expectations, you’re going to have a lot of those. But really just hold yourself accountable to your expectations and to your team and your coaches’ expectations. That’s all you can really listen to. Other than that, block out the noise and just keep being the same person.”

Lawrence added that he has met Klubnik but doesn’t talk to him regularly. He has heard plenty of positive things about him from people at Clemson.

“I really haven’t had too many conversations with Cade,” Lawrence said. “I’ve met him and I’ve heard really great things about him from everyone in that program.”

Lawrence on DJ Uiagalelei transferring

While Lawrence doesn’t speak regularly with Klubnik, he does have a good relationship with former Tigers quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, who transferred to Oregon State in December.

Lawrence and Uiagalelei played together at Clemson when Lawrence was a junior and Uiagalelei was a freshman, and he has continued to follow the California native’s career, even after leaving Clemson for the NFL.

Lawrence spoke about Uiagalelei and their relationship during his appearance on the Zach Gelb show.

“I know DJ pretty well. I played with him for a full year at Clemson. I really enjoyed being around him,” Lawrence said. “I think he’s a really good person and I think he’s a great player, too. Obviously I think it’s disappointing for both parties – Clemson and DJ — for it not to work out. But sometimes that’s just the way it goes.”

Lawrence is hopeful that a change of scenery will be beneficial for Uiagalelei. He pointed to Jalen Hurts as an example of a quarterback who transferred and ended up in a great situation.

“You look at a lot of guys who are in the league now – Jalen Hurts is a perfect example – who had some struggles on the field at Alabama, then was able to get an opportunity at Oklahoma and took off,” Lawrence said. “Now he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He’s having a great year and in the Super Bowl.”

Lawrence will be rooting for Uiagalelei this season at Oregon State and for the rest of his playing career.

“I think that’s the main message is just no matter what’s happened, you still have an opportunity. You still have everything in front of you,” Lawrence said. “I think that’s what DJ’s looking forward to is getting that chance, getting a fresh start. I think it’ll be good for him and I’m excited to watch him.”