Cade Klubnik and Clemson are counting on experience to make a difference in the new-look ACC this season.
The Tigers bring back Klubnik and seven other starters on offense, an asset head coach Dabo Swinney understands can be a difference-maker.
“It’s a blessing certainly when you have your starting quarterback back, for sure. I mean, we’ve had great ones that have come in, it was their first year in our system, and have done well,” Swinney said Thursday at ACC Media Days in Charlotte, N.C. “It’s always great when you’re not starting over, and you’ve got a guy that’s grown, had some experience under his belt. I mean, Cade is a great young man, a great talent. He’s just blossoming right before our eyes physically and mentally, also as a leader.
“We’re excited about Year 2 with him as our starter. Also with (offensive coordinator and QBs coach) Garrett (Riley). It will be Cade’s first time to have the same coach, same system. I think we all expect to see some great growth from that.”
Klubnik was a full-time starter for the first time in 2023 and also played under Riley in 2022. He had 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions last season and credits a simplification from Riley for his optimistic outlook on 2024.
“I would just say one of the biggest things is taking it one week at a time,” Klubnik said. “I’m never looking to the next opponent, never looking to two weeks ahead, three weeks ahead. Truly just focusing on one day at a time. That’s one thing we’ve talked about. Just being automatic in everything, every little play, automatic and efficient. Making the routine plays routine. Just sticking to the system.”
In addition to Riley, Klubnik has used networking and resources available to pick the brains of other quarterbacks. He’s checked in with Clemson greats Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence in addition to Eli and Peyton Manning and a connection to Klubnik’s hometown of Austin, Texas.
“I’ve talked to Deshaun and Trevor a little bit each. They’re both chasing their NFL careers right now, so they don’t have a lot of time to come back to Clemson and train with me,” Klubnik said. “I’ve definitely had some great mentors. Nick Foles is a guy that went to my high school (Westlake). Got to spend a couple days with the Mannings, pick their brains. Learned a couple little cheat codes that I never even heard before.”
ANOTHER ORANGE
Syracuse was excited to introduce another quarterback with experience — Ohio State transfer Kyle McCord. He left the Buckeyes at the end of the 2023 season and said he didn’t think twice about returning close to his New Jersey home for the “conference of quarterbacks.”
Where does McCord fit in the league QB pecking order?
“I guess we’ll see. I’m not one to stand up here and make predictions or whatever. But I’m confident in my game. I’m confident in the players around me. So more than anything, I’m excited to play,” he said. “Still have a little bit of a sour taste in my mouth from the last time I was on the field against Michigan. I’ve been eager to get back out on the field and start competing.”
NORTH BY SUBTRACTION
Mack Brown anticipates feeling the loss of his quarterback, No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye. But he also expects the Tar Heels to be … better in 2024.
North Carolina enters fall camp eyeing a third different starting quarterback in three seasons following Sam Howell and Maye. The competitors include Jacolby Criswell, Texas A&M transfer Max Johnson and Conner Harrell.
“I remember the year that Drake started,” said Brown, who returned to coaching from a broadcasting role at ESPN five years ago. “(Someone) told me the other day: There’s not much buzz about your team right now. I think that’s what was said when Drake and Jacolby were competing for the quarterback spot. We started 9-1. Conner has played enough now that he gets it. He’s got to chance to be really good. Max has thrown 900 balls in the SEC.
“I do think what will happen is our defense is going to be better. Last year, we ran the ball more like we did when Michael Carter and Javonte Williams were here. We’re going to help the defense more with our offense. These guys have to step up and they can’t be Drake, they can’t be Sam, but we can be a better team.”
