Cade Klubnik Speaks on Up and Down Spring Game

First spring game as the starter for Cade Klubnik held a mixed bag of results

The 2022 football season for the Clemson Tigers contained plenty of issues, especially offensively, but the most prominent and well-talked-about was the indecision on who was the best option to play quarterback on a week-to-week basis. With DJ Uiagalelei gone to Oregon State, that question no longer remains. This is Cade Klubnik's team, and, despite a performance that wasn't quite as consistent as the sophomore probably would have liked, he spoke to reporters after the game with all the enthusiasm of someone who knows it's time to shine.

When asked how he felt overall about the game Klubnik gave an honest answer but always with a hint of a grin saying, "Lots of ups and downs but I think as a whole just super excited to put some long drives together, had some big plays, had a couple good scrambles, but overall I felt like we had great protection up front, I feel like I had a lot of time. I think our DBs on the other side were the best that I've seen them play and they did a heck of a job."

Cade Klubnik (2) and Phil Mafah (7) are interviewed by Dabo Swinney during ESPN2's broadcast of the Orange and White Game. (Clemson Athletics)

The quarterback probably mentioned the defensive backs because they picked him off twice and created some difficult moments for the offense, albeit without some its biggest players, like Will Shipley, sidelined with injuries or held out of precaution. At the end of the game, his final stat line was 18 for 33 for 190 yards. Not world-changing numbers but 6 of those 18 completions managed to go for 15+ yards which is a solid percentage of big plays made through the air. 

The failure to find the endzone may be a concern for some fans, but, as of right now, that's not the case for Klubnik who knows there's plenty of time between now and September to correct whatever mistakes may have been made in a glorified scrimmage. If not concerned then what did the game leave him feeling? The signal caller's answer should leave the Tiger faithful encouraged, "I would just say I feel like I'm playing like me again. I just feel comfortable. I feel comfortable to step out there and I don't have to play for anybody I just get to go play free. I just feel at peace right now." Peace, alongside "win", is quite possibly the word that will be most welcome come this fall.