Clemson has demonstrated its capability to win two College Football Playoff national championships with different quarterbacks, highlighting that securing the right signal caller can position them as the premier team in the sport. However, achieving this feat is no easy task.
Following Deshaun Watson’s departure to the NFL after their 2016 National Championship victory, Clemson swiftly transitioned to another generational talent, Trevor Lawrence, who led them to another national title in 2018. Since then, Dabo Swinney and his coaching staff have been in pursuit of the next quarterback to propel them back to championship contention.
During DJ Uiagalelei’s struggles, Clemson fans advocated for the promotion of five-star freshman Cade Klubnik, the top-ranked quarterback in the 2022 class and Texas Gatorade Player of the Year. Their wishes were granted when Klubnik took over in the 2022 ACC Championship Game after Uiagalelei was benched early. Klubnik showcased his potential by throwing for 279 yards and a touchdown, securing a decisive 39-10 victory over North Carolina.
Entering last season, there was considerable anticipation that Klubnik would emerge as Clemson’s next superstar quarterback, poised to restore the program’s prominence. Swinney emphasized the importance of Klubnik’s development and expressed optimism about his progress heading into the upcoming season.
“He has shown the necessary growth to this point in our evaluation. Now, it’s about translating that onto the field, and that’s the expectation … So, we anticipate him taking another significant stride for us, and he’s very close,” Swinney remarked, according to The Clemson Insider.
Ultimately, whether Klubnik fulfills these expectations remains to be seen, but there is optimism that with time, the 20-year-old will reach the collegiate heights anticipated upon his arrival. Swinney, drawing from his extensive experience in college football, highlighted the importance of players becoming acclimated to a system to achieve high-level results.
“He was a first-year starter, and sometimes we are too quick to judge if someone doesn’t immediately become an All-American … If you have the right attributes – talent, character, football IQ, work ethic – you will improve, and he possesses all of that,” Swinney added. The culmination of Klubnik’s progress will unfold when Clemson faces the Georgia Bulldogs in a highly anticipated season opener on August 31 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
