Cade Klubnik is ready for a big season at Clemson

Clemson has a history of younger quarterbacks pushing a veteran behind center. Deshaun Watson's ascendancy was always apparent behind Cole Stoudt. Trevor Lawrence replaced junior Kelly Bryant on the way to leading Clemson to a 15-0 record and a national title.

Last year, it was 5-star freshman Cade Klubnik pushing 5-star junior quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. It worked out well for Clemson. Watson and Lawrence both played in two national championship games and won one. Now it's Cade Klubnik's turn. The sophomore quarterback spoke to the media last week at ACC Kickoff about the upcoming season and stepping into the position as Clemson's starting quarterback.

"Definitely a huge honor," said Klubnik. "I mean, obviously big shoes to fill. Just looking at the guys that have been here before me and just definitely guys that I look up to a ton. But we've got the same -- I've got the same head coach that they got. I'm really thankful for that. I'm excited for Coach Riley. I feel like the guys that I'm going to be surrounded by this season, I wouldn't replace them with anybody else. Just so excited for the playmakers that I'm getting to be around every single day and really, really excited."

Klubnik earned his first start in the Orange Bowl last season against Tennessee. The 31-14 loss to the Volunteers was tough for Clemson to swallow, especially after being a win at South Carolina away from a likely playoff berth, but Klubnik and the Tigers are looking to use the end of last season as motivation.

"I mean, specifically talking about that game, we needed to finish drives," said Klubnik. "I think that's what it started with, but I think honestly I'm just so proud of those guys for that game."

"I think it's - I think that's going to push - that game is going to push us to the places we want to be this year. It's putting a little bit of a bad feeling in our stomach all year. Obviously, we had a very successful year if you look at the overall picture of it - ACC Champions and 11-3 finish. That's an amazing year, but to finish with a loss, it's always going to leave something a little dirty in your soul. Going into this offseason it's been great. I think it's been helping us and a little bit more of a grittiness to us than I've seen before. It's going to be fun."

"The reason I came to Clemson was for two things: It was for the culture and to win a national championship. I believe that we're going to be able to do that while I'm here."