Dabo Swinney details Cade Klubnik's ability to make plays with his legs

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik has been working to steadily get better through the first few weeks of the 2023 season. One area of improvement is his ability to extend and create thanks to his mobility inside and outside the pocket.

Head coach Dabo Swinney discussed his improvement after Saturday’s 48-14 victory over Florida Atlantic.”

I just think it’s just a progression of him gaining experience,” Swinney said. “The first couple of games, especially the first game, he’s learning that internal clock that comes from experience and he’s learning how long I need to sit in the pocket and when to go manage the game. Because he can really, really run. He’s a problem. But I thought this was his best game from that standpoint. He did a poor job the first game. There were several times in that first game that instead of 3-and-10, it could have been a first down or 3rd-and-3. Then he got a little better last week, especially after the first quarter. And then tonight was outstanding.”

Klubnik finished the Week 3 contest with 169 passing yards and three touchdowns on 16 completions. He also carried the football six times for 35 yards and a score. Two of his runs were for 10 yards or more, and he did not get sacked one time.

There is still room to improve for Klubnik, who is in his first season as Clemson’s starting quarterback. He completed only 59.3% of his passes versus the Owls. But he is taking the steps needed for the Tigers to get their season back on track.

“He made some really, really timely plays and good decisions with his legs,” Swinney said. “We ran the quarterback draw right there. That was a called play. Make good decisions in the run game and the RPO game. I think it was either the first or second drive, he pulled it down and ran for a nice gainer. Those are huge plays. Those are those are plays that really just frustrate a defense. Not everybody can do that, but he really can and so I think he took a step forward tonight, and hopefully he’ll continue to gain that experience.”

Klubnik’s development will be key as Clemson has one of its biggest games of the season coming up next week versus Florida State. The Tigers, who are hosting this year’s game, have won each matchup since Florida State’s 23-17 overtime victory in 2014.