Swinney: Very Few Programs In Country Going to Have Two QB’s Like Uiagalelei and Klubnik

Out of Austin Westlake, Cade Klubnik is the top quarterback prospect in the country and that kind of stature brings with it lofty expectations.

Many Clemson fans are already assuming Klubnik will win the starting quarterback job in his first spring practice and that’s a lot of pressure to put on a true freshman. Not even Deshaun Watson, nor Trevor Lawrence were able to accomplish that.

When asked how hard he thought Klubnik wouold realistically be able to push for the job, head coach Dabo Swinney said there was just no way to know until they get him on the practice field.

“I’d say the same thing that I’ve always said,” Swinney said. “You don’t ever know where they are until you get them here, you start coaching them, they transition away from home. The game’s different.”

Either way, Swinney said the Tigers are in great shape seeing as two of the most talented quarterbacks in the country will be on the Clemson roster.

“We’re going to be pretty blessed to have the two quarterbacks,” Swinney said. “There’s very few programs in the country that’s going to have two quarterbacks like DJ and Cade. It’s going to be a great situation for us and excited to see everyone elevate this spring when we get a little healthier, get these mid-years in here, get these alignments in here. It’s going to be a big shot in the arm for us.”

One thing Swinney is sure of when it comes to Klubnik is that the young quarterback will be well-prepared. The elitel-level quarterback has spent the past three years playing in one of the toughest high school leagues in the country and on Saturday will be looking to help lead his team to a third consecutive state title.

“He’s a winner, he’s a big time winner,” Swinney said. “And it’s a high, high level of football. So he’s just real well prepared. But his skill set, incredibly accurate, can extend, can create, and just has a great feel for where everyone is on the field. He’s a good one.

“There’s a reason why he’s the number one guy in the country. He’s proven that, he’s earned that. Every competitive environment that he’s gone to, he’s risen to the top. So super exciting to have another coming in here of that caliber.”