When Cade Klubnik committed to Clemson as part of the 2022 class, fans were excited to have him. Acquiring a former Gatorade Player of the Year in Texas, Elite 11 camp MVP and the top quarterback in that class was a huge deal. That excitement grew after fans caught glimpses of Klubnik when he took mainly end-of-game snaps in blowouts his freshmen year.
At the time he was second on depth chart behind DJ Uiagalelei, who struggled during his two years at Clemson. This would lead to Klubnik being handed the reigns early on in the 2022 ACC Championship game. His performance earned him the game’s MVP award as he completed 20 of 24 passes for 279 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed seven times for 30 yards and another touchdown. Fans were ecstatic about Klubnik’s future after the performance. Expectations of him being the next great Clemson quarterback came fast.
That excitement quickly turned to anxiousness though after a week one loss at Duke to start 2023. It was the first game of Klubnik’s first season as the full-time starter for the Tigers. As the rest of that season unfolded many mixed opinions have come from both fans and analysts alike. There have been glimpses of greatness from Klubnik. For some though, there hasn’t been enough evidence he is the quarterback to lead the Tigers back to their championship-winning ways.
The Ups
While Klubnik did not have the best 2023 season, it was not all bad. In his first season as a starter, he completed 290 of his 454 pass attempts. Those 290 completions are the fourth most among all Clemson quarterbacks in a single season. It also gave Klubnik a 63.9% completion percentage which tied for third-best among ACC quarterbacks last season. Klubnik also threw for 2,844 yards and 19 touchdowns. Both tied him for fifth most in the ACC in those categories.
Klubnik has displayed on many occasions already he has the talent to be one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Even better, he has already shown some growth in the areas he lacks in. Combine that with an elevation of talent in the wide receiver room, there is no reason Klubnik should not be better this season. Klubnik’s biggest problem is not his talent though. It is the decision-making that is so crucial to playing the quarterback position.
The Downs
Klubnik’s most glaring issue last season was the slow and at times just bad decision making especially in crucial moments. Too many times he put the Tigers in tough spots because he was too hesitant on a read or didn’t understand the situation. This at times has led to some bad turnovers.
The biggest example of this was in the loss to Duke. There was a fumbled handoff in the red zone where last second Klubnik pulled the ball from the running back as he made a late read. While what he saw may have indicated that he should pull the ball last second, in the situation he should have just given the handoff being within five yards of a score and having two tough running backs who could get the yards.
Much of this also comes with being inexperienced at this level and is something Klubnik can get better at fast. With a full season as the starter now under his belt, the expectation is that he will be better in this area of his game. The rising junior should display more confidence which will directly translate to faster and better decision making.
The Importance of 2024
Clemson fans are getting restless and want to see success from the Tigers early on in 2024. Fans especially want to see improvement on the offensive side of the ball. Klubnik is close to getting the same treatment Uiagalelei received from many in the Clemson fanbase if clear growth isn’t shown. The rise of walk-on junior quarterback Trent Pearmen in the spring game did not make things any easier for Klubnik or the coaching staff either. The pieces for Klubnik to be successful are more in place now than they were a year ago though.
The Tigers have a defense that has the potential to be top 5 in the FBS, a much-improved receiver room, and a running back in Phil Mafah who is poised for a great season. It is all there for Klubnik to prove he is the guy to lead Clemson back to the top of college football. That’s what makes 2024 a make-or-break year for Klubnik though. As it is for the current culture of Clemson as a whole.
