When a player can walk on the field and play with the freedom that Cade Klubnik had last season, it’s no surprise when they perform well.
Klubnik was named the new starter after his appearance in the ACC Championship game when here placed DJ Uiagalelei after two series. His performance earned him the game’s MVP. It marked the end of the Uiagalelei era, which the fans in death valley had been begging to end since week one against Georgia Tech. With the departure of DJ Uiagalelei, Klubnik has an entire off-season under his belt as a starter.
Klubnik’s first official start left more to desire. The last time we saw Klubnik on the field as a starter was in the Orange Bowl against Tennessee. He threw two interceptions and was sacked four times, with the Tigers losing 31-14.
Klubnik will lead a new offensive system orchestrated by new offensive coordinator, Garrett Riley. Riley’s system is expected to be fast-paced, giving Klubnik a chance to bring a new spark to Clemson’s offense after the stale year in 2022.
Last year, Clemson was ranked 66th in terms of plays over 20 yards and 75th in plays over 50 yards. They only managed to execute 5 of such plays. The Tigers had a single play last season that went beyond 60 yards. On the other hand, Riley’s TCU offense secured the 4th position in plays that were over 20 yards. They had 22 plays that went beyond 50 yards, with 13 being over 60 yards.
” One thing my high school coach told me is big shots are gonna happen. Big shots are never forced,” Klubnik said. “Big plays are never forced, they happen and those are created by taking what they give you, by taking the short stuff, the intermediate stuff. Safeties start creeping down, corners start creeping down. Boom, now you’ve got opportunities to make plays.”
Klubnik has a lot of weapons around him, so all signs lead to him having a great season, but how will the pressure of being a starter impact him?