Cade Klubnik says becoming Clemson's starter is 'a dream come true'
Cade Klubnik looks like the next in a long line of tremendous Clemson quarterbacks, but he’s simply enjoying the ride.
It was always a matter of when for Klubnik, and Dabo Swinney finally gave him the keys to the car during the ACC title game. The move paid off handsomely for the Tigers, and now Klubnik is firmly entrenched as the new leader of Clemson.
Speaking with the media ahead of an Orange Bowl showdown with Tennessee, the Clemson quarterback explained how becoming the Tigers’ starting quarterback is so special to him.
“I think this week has kind of just made me realize and just kind of settle in a little bit,” stated Klubnik. “It’s been fun. It’s been awesome. A dream come true. I’m super excited about this team.
“I think we’ve got a real shot going into this game, and it’ll be fun.”
The Cade Klubnik era started with a bang and an ACC title, but an Orange Bowl victory would fully anoint him.
Kickoff for the Capital One Orange Bowl vs. No. 6 Tennessee is set for Dec. 30 at 8 p.m. ET live from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. ESPN will carry the national broadcast.
Cade Klubnik discusses changes in mindset as starting QB
Cade Klubnik‘s mindset remained constant all season long – prepare like you’re the starter. Now that he’s been given the reigns as Clemson‘s starting quarterback, that notion remains true heading into bowl season.
“All the way back to the first game. Just preparing every week, late nights, early mornings. Obviously [being the starter] just goes up another level and I think that kind of started going into the UNC game,” Klubnik said after practice Wednesday. “My preparation doesn’t change, just the amount of intensity that I have in practice and off the field.”
Clemson’s fanbase had been clamoring for Klubnik to replace former starter DJ Uiagaleleifor a while. When head coach Dabo Swinney elected to make the QB chance after Uiagalelei threw just five passes in the ACC title game – including one incompletion on a simple out route that he threw right into the ground.
It was time for a change, and Klubnik delivered. Completing 20 of his 24 passes, the true freshman threw for 279 yards and a touchdown while adding 30 more yards and another score on the ground. Now, the starting reps are his and the game is already slowing down for the former five-star freshman.
“This week has kind of, I guess, made me realize I just need to settle in a little bit,” Klubnik said. “But it’s been fun, it’s been awesome. Just really a dream come true and just I’m super excited about this team. I think we got a real shot going into this game. … I’m just trying to be me. I’m not trying to change anything.
“I’m just trying to be the guy that I was when I first got here on the first day. And I think if I just keep on doing that, we’ll do alright.”
On3’s Barkley Truax contributed to this article.