CHARLOTTE — In 2023, his first full season as Clemson’s starting quarterback, Cade Klubnik threw for 19 touchdowns with nine interceptions across 13 games.

Now that he is going into his second season in offensive coordinator Garrett Riley’s system in 2024, Klubnik feels that will help him be able to improve on that touchdown-to-interception ratio.

“Yeah, I think the first thing would be obviously getting to be in the same system again,” the rising junior said at the 2024 ACC Football Kickoff on Thursday.

In his first two seasons at Clemson, Klubnik has completed 63.4 percent of his passes for 3,541 yards with 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions over 23 games (14 starts). He has also rushed for 321 yards and six touchdowns on 167 career carries.

The former five-star prospect and former Texas Gatorade Player of the Year spoke about the benefits of having a year in Riley’s offense under his belt. Klubnik believes the familiarity with the offensive system will allow him to operate faster and minimize negative plays while making more big plays this season.

“I think being able to know the offense, I mean, it almost feels like the longer you’re in a system, you know how to get through progressions faster, cancel out yes, no, pre-snap progressions, knowing when you’re hot off of blitzes, knowing the protections better,” he said. “That obviously comes with getting the ball out of my hand quicker. Less interceptions, less sacks, being able to make big-time plays with either my legs or throwing the ball downfield.”

–Photo courtesy Nell Redmond/ACC