Clemson's Dabo Swinney explains what has changed for QB Cade Klubnik

There are some big expectations for Clemson junior quarterback Cade Klubnik in 2024.

The expectations are always high for the quarterback at Clemson, of course. This is the program that produced Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence, both with national championship pedigrees.

We also know Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney holds his quarterback to a high standard. Klubnik is also going into his second season as the starter in Death Valley, so he is expected to take a big jump from the 2,844 yards and 19 touchdown passes (with nine interceptions) he threw last season.

So far this spring, so good for Coach Swinney.

“I saw another step from him all spring," Swinney said after Clemson's spring game (h/t On3). "As a coach, when you’re evaluating certain things, whether it’s situationally some things that he did, I’m proud of him. He’s been really, really good the whole spring … still a lot of work to do.”

While Swinney's comments would suggest that Klubnik is far from a final product, several important things have happened since he took over as starter. Mainly, he's starting to get a feel for the game, which only comes with experience.

“I think the game just slowed down for him, Swinney explained. "Last year, you could tell sometimes he really wasn’t paying attention in some situations, wants to make every play … [last] year he was trying to get 14 yards somewhere. Today, in a third-and-13 situation, he checks the ball down. Maybe you get the first down, maybe you get a fourth, and one or two, put yourself in a go-for-it situation. Those plays are huge, and that’s an area I don’t think he did a good job in, especially in the first half of last season; [it would] drive you crazy … so it’s good to see. 

"That’s probably the biggest thing; his awareness situationally has improved. He’s just got some experience.”

Will Klubnik's experience translate to big wins for Clemson in 2024? The Tigers better hope so, because those high expectations could come crashing down. Swinney won the 2016 and 2018 national championships, but he's missed the College Football Playoff the past four seasons.

If Clemson wants to make it back to the CFP, even now that it's expanded to 12 teams, Klubnik is going to have to be a big part of that push.