ACCN Analyst on Clemson QB’s: ‘Spring Practice Going to be Interesting’

Mark Packer is sold on incoming freshman Cade Klubnik.

The longtime radio personality and co-host of The Packer and Durham Show on the ACC Network is now even more sold after watching Klubnik’s performance in last weekend’s All-American Bowl.

“I heard a lot about him, decided to watch some of this All-American Bowl on Saturday, and holy mackerel, can this kid play,” Packer said. “Dude, he just has great touch, athletic.”

Klubnik committed to Clemson back in the spring and has since gone on to collect one accolade after another. Not only was the 5-star Klubnik the MVP of the Elite-11 Finals, he was also named the National High School Player of the Year by both MaxPreps and the All-American Bowl, and is the top quarterback prospect in the 2022 recruiting class.

As a senior Klubnik threw for 3,251 yards and 43 touchdowns while completing over 71 percent of his passes. The highly-touted prospect threw just three interceptions in 265 pass attempts and added 471 yards rushing to go with 12 more scores in leading Austin Westlake to a perfect 16-0 record and a second straight state title in one of the toughest high school divisions in the country.

Packer did note that returning starter DJ Uiagalelei will absolutely have a leg up when it comes to actual experience, but at the same time also acknowledged that Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has found himself another fantastic quarterback.

“D.J. Uiagalelei and Cade Klubnik, game on to see who’s going to be the starting quarterback in Tiger Town,” Packer said. “Of course, D.J.’s going to have the experience. He’ll get the nod on that front. But I think ole Dabo found himself another quarterback, that’s what I think. Kid was really, really good Saturday.”

And like most Clemson fans, Packer is expecting an action-packed spring in the upstate.

“You know what, spring practice is going to be interesting down in Tiger Town.”