It goes without saying that the quarterback at Clemson is held to extremely high standards at all times. This is the program that resulted in the production of Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence, both of whom have pedigrees that include national championships.

It is also common knowledge that Dabo Swinney, the head coach of Clemson, has very high expectations for his quarterback. Klubnik is also coming into his second season as the starter in Death Valley, so he is projected to take a large rise from the 2,844 yards and 19 touchdown passes (with nine interceptions) he threw last season.

So far this spring, so good for Coach Swinney.

“I saw another step from him entire spring,” Swinney said after Clemson’s spring game (h/t On3). “As a coach, when you’re judging various things, whether it’s situationally some things that he accomplished, I’m pleased of him. He’s been really, really good the whole spring … still a lot of work to do.”

While Swinney’s words would suggest that Klubnik is far from a final product, several crucial things have happened since he took over as starter. Mainly, he’s starting to gain a feel for the game, which only comes with experience.

“I think the game just slowed down for him, Swinney explained. “Last year, you could tell sometimes he really wasn’t paying attention in some situations, he wanted to make every play… Last year, he was attempting to get 14 yards somewhere. Today, in a third-and-13 situation, he checks the ball down. Maybe you get the first down, maybe you get a fourth, and one or two, put yourself in a go-for-it situation. Those plays are huge, and that’s an area I don’t think he did a good job in, especially in the first half of the season; it would] drive you crazy … so it’s fantastic to see.

“That’s probably the biggest thing; his awareness situationally has improved. He’s just got some experience.”

Will Klubnik’s experience translate to big wins for Clemson in 2024? The Tigers better hope so, since those high expectations could come crashing down. Swinney won the 2016 and 2018 national championships, but he’s missed the College Football Playoff the prior four seasons.

If Clemson hopes to make it back to the CFP, even now that it’s extended to 12 teams, Klubnik is going to have to be a key part of that drive.