Cade Klubnik is confident and ready for his first season as starting quarterback for No. 9 Clemson

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik was asked if he felt any butterflies about his first season as a starter for the ninth-ranked Tigers.

“I’m excited,” Klubnik said quickly with a smile. He then used “excited” five more times in his two minute answer.

Told of his passer’s exuberance, first-year Clemson offensive coordinator Garrett Riley smirked. “You got to calm him down sometimes, he’s so amped up,” Riley said. “And that’s certainly not a bad thing.”

Especially if the sophomore passer channels high energy into high-scoring performances.

Klubnik grabbed attention as a freshman backup for D.J. Uiagalelei last season, entering when the Tigers’ offense struggled against Syracuse and rallying the team from 11 points down in the second half to a 27-21 victory.

When Uiagalelei struggled again a few weeks later in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game against North Carolina, Klubnik once more got the call and delivered with a high-octane showing in a 39-10 win.

The Tigers and Klubnik were then soundly beaten by Tennessee 31-14 in the Orange Bowl.

Klubnik accepted his mistakes and pledged to improve. He believes he’s found a perfect fit in Riley’s offense, which keeps things simple yet allows all players to showcase their abilities.