July 25, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik speaks to the media during the ACC Kickoff at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports Cade Klubnik and Clemson are relying on their experience to make a difference in the new ACC this season.
The Tigers bring back Klubnik and seven other starters on offense, an asset head coach Dabo Swinney knows can be a difference-maker.
“It’s a blessing of course when you have a starting quarterback, of course. I mean, we’ve had big ones that have come in, it’s the first year in our system, and it’s done well,” Swinney said on ACC Media Days in Charlotte, NC ” It’s always good when you don’t start again, and you’ve got someone who has grown, has some experience under his belt. I mean, Cade is a great young man. He’s just blossoming right before our eyes, also as a leader .
“We’re excited about Year 2 with him as our starter. Also with (offensive coordinator and QBs coach) Garrett (Riley). It’ll be Cade’s first time with the same coach, the same system. I’m all looking forward to seeing some big growth from that.” .”
Klubnik is a full-time starter for the first time in 2023 and will also play under Riley in 2022. He had 19 goals and nine interceptions last season and offers relief from Riley for optimism in 2024.
“I would just say one of the biggest things is taking it one week at a time,” Klubnik said. “I’m never looking for the next opponent, I’m never looking for the next two weeks, the next three weeks. I really just focus on one day at a time. That’s one of the things we’ve talked about. Just automatic in everything, every little game. , automatic and efficient.Make a routine of playing regularly.
In addition to Riley, Klubnik has used his network and available resources to pick the brains of other quarterbacks. He has signed with Clemson greats Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence in addition to Eli and Peyton Manning and connections to Klubnik who hails from Austin, Texas.
“I’ve talked to Deshaun and Trevor a little bit each. They’re pursuing NFL careers now, so they don’t have much time to come back to Clemson and train with me,” Klubnik said. “I definitely had a great mentor. Nick Foles was a guy that went to (Westlake) high school. Got to spend a few days with the Mannings, pick their brains. Learned some cheat codes that I’ve never heard of. before.”
ANOTHER ORANGE
Syracuse is excited to introduce another quarterback with experience – Ohio State transfer Kyle McCord. He left the Buckeyes at the end of the 2023 season and said he didn’t think twice about returning to his New Jersey home for the “quarterbacks conference.”
Where does McCord fit in the League’s QB pecking order?
“I guess we’ll see. I’m not one to stand up here and make predictions or anything. But I’m confident in my game. I’m confident in the players around me. So more than anything, I like to play,” he said. . “Still have a little sour taste in my mouth from the last time I was on the field against Michigan. I’m excited to get back out on the field and start competing.”
NORTH BY SUBTRACTION
Mack Brown anticipates feeling the loss of his quarterback, No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye. But he also expects the Tar Heels to be … better in 2024.
North Carolina entered fall camp having seen a different starting quarterback in three seasons after Sam Howell and Maye. Competitors include Jacolby Criswell, Texas A&M transfer Max Johnson and Conner Harrell.
“I remember the year Drake started,” said Brown, who returned to coaching from a broadcasting role at ESPN five years ago. “(Someone) said to me the other day: There’s not a lot of buzz about your team right now. I think that was said when Drake and Jacolby were competing for the quarterback spot. We started 9-1. Conner has played enough now that he’s got a chance to so great Max has thrown 900 balls in the SEC.
“I think what’s going to happen is our defense is going to be better. Last year, we ran the ball more like when Michael Carter and Javonte Williams were here. We’re going to help the defense more with the offense. These guys have to step up and not be Drake, can’t be Sam, but we can be a better team.”
–Field Level Media
