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Cade Klubnik is staying at Clemson for another season, embracing the dream he’s had since childhood. The Tigers’ quarterback recently spoke on the Pure Athlete podcast about why he turned down transfer and NFL opportunities to return for his senior year.
“I dreamed of playing college football my whole life, and I never dreamed of doing it to make money,” Klubnik said. “I dreamed of running out on a football field in front of 100,000 fans and playing the game I’ve loved since I was three years old.”
Klubnik burst onto the scene in 2022, leading Clemson to an ACC Championship after taking over for DJ Uiagalelei. But his first full season as a starter in 2023 brought challenges, as he faced growing pains before closing the year on a five-game winning streak, capped by a game-winning drive in the Gator Bowl.
Despite struggles, Klubnik rejected transfer offers, believing in Clemson’s coaching staff and his own need to improve.
“So after my sophomore year, sure, I had some teams call up and ask me to come,” Klubnik said. “But I’m like, ‘No, I’m staying here. I need to get better. I trust in Coach (Dabo) Swinney, I trust in Coach (Garrett) Riley.’”
Swinney reinforced that belief after Clemson’s 2023 season.
“He told me, ‘I’ve got quarterbacks that want to come play here… but I believe in you,’” Klubnik recalled. “That kind of just flipped something. I want to go play for you even harder.”
His commitment paid off in 2024 with a breakout season—3,639 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, just six interceptions, plus 463 rushing yards and seven scores. With offers on the table, Klubnik ultimately chose to return for a title run.
“I committed to win a national championship,” he said. “That’s still sitting on the table for us. I love this place, and I know I have another leap to…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/cade-klubnik-explains-returning-clemson-170125795.html
Author : Clemson Wire
Publish date : 2025-02-21 17:01:00
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