As Clemson's sophomore quarterback Cade Klubnik gears up for the 2023 season, head coach Dabo Swinney has no doubts about his capabilities. During this week's ACC Football Kickoff, Swinney took the opportunity to shed light on what sets Klubnik apart from his peers.
"Well, he is a winner, first of all," Swinney proudly proclaimed from the stage. "The kid has won his entire life. When you have somebody that's consistently won for a long, long time, there are certain characteristics that drive that, and he embodies all those characteristics. He is an unbelievable competitor. He loves to prepare. He is passionate about it. He is a leader. He has a great football IQ, and he has an amazing skill set."
It's undeniable that Klubnik possesses an array of qualities that make him stand out on and off the field. Swinney couldn't help but express his admiration for the rising star.
"I mean, there's a lot to -- there's really not much to not like about Cade Klubnik. That's why he won the elite 11 and was the top quarterback in the country coming out of high school. He didn't look up and do that. He has put a lot of work in," said Swinney.
While Klubnik's talent and dedication have been apparent since his high school days, it's his physical transformation that has impressed the coaching staff the most over the past year.
"And then everything he has done at Clemson, he came in here a little behind physically, honestly, but he is in a really good spot. He is about probably by the time we get to weigh-in next week, he is probably 25 pounds heavier than when he showed up," revealed Swinney.
Although Klubnik's playing time last season was limited to just two starts, he made the most of it, gaining valuable experience that would prepare him to lead the Tigers in the upcoming season.
"This time last year he didn't know what he didn't know, and now he knows what he didn't know. That's the great thing. There's no greater teacher than experience. There's no greater teacher than a little bit of disappointment along the way too. So he has had a lot of success. He's had a little bit of disappointment. He has a year under his belt. He understands what we need to do to prepare week in and week out. He's built for it," Swinney confidently stated.
As Klubnik continues to impress with his winning mindset, remarkable skills, and continuous growth, all eyes will be on him as he leads Clemson's charge into the 2023 college football season.
