Clemson Football: Three questions about the quarterbacks

Can Cade Klubnik be consistent for Clemson Football?

There was little doubt that Klubnik was talented. There was also an understanding that he would need to add some muscle to his frame before he would be ready for the physical aspect of D1 college football.

Beyond that, the question was simply how quickly Klubnik would learn the ropes and feel comfortable taking the snaps. A wonderful late drive against Georgia Tech in the opener was impressive. His follow-up appearances against Furman and Louisiana Tech showed there was still a lot of room for improvement.

At the end of the season, he repeated the cycle. A masterful performance in relief of Uiagalelei in the ACC Championship was followed by an uneven outing in the Orange Bowl.

The next step isn’t hard to figure out. Klubnik must learn to consistently play the way he did against Georgia Tech and North Carolina and keep the mistakes to a minimum.

We will have to see if the change in coordinator and position coach, along with a new system, helps or complicates this task. On one hand, a second season in a system might have helped him feel more relaxed and in control. On the other, a new system like Riley’s will likely fit his talents better and keep him on his toes.

Logic says that like all first-time starters Klubnik will be on a learning curve. There will be some mistakes early. The Tigers open against a good Duke team on the road and then host Florida State in Week 4. The learning curve can’t take too long.