WALHALA — Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik extended his hand to shake.
He remembers what it felt like to reach out.
Klubnik held a free clinic Saturday, the Cade Klubnik Youth Football Camp, at Walhalla High School. He shared smiles and some of his knowledge at Razorback Stadium with nearly 200 kids ages 6 to 16. They weren’t just there to get autographs and t-shirts. They were there to learn something from the Clemson star.
“I know what it’s like to be this age and have the chance to do things like this,” said Klubnik, a junior from Austin, Texas. “My dream has always been to play college football, which is what I’m doing now. That’s where those dreams begin.”
Klubnik, a football student turned teacher for a few hours at Razorback Stadium, has some things in common with the kids. They are still learning, growing, making mistakes, and dreaming about what might happen next.
Last year, his first full season as a starter, he led Clemson to a 9-4 record, 4-4 in the ACC, with a TaxSlayer Gator Bowl win against Kentucky. He passed for 2,844 yards and 19 touchdowns with nine interceptions. Fewest yards per attempt in the ACC (6.3 yards) and 28 sacks made. Mixed results in an overall successful season.
“Everything continues to improve the more you experience and the harder you work,” he said. “I feel like I’m doing everything I can to help the team. This season feels a little different because I feel more like a leader.”
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Among his Clemson teammates who helped lead the camp were three offensive linemen: Tristan Leigh, Ryan Linthicum and Blake Miller. Others were defensive end Cade Denhoff, cornerback Shelton Lewis, safety RJ Mickens, wide receiver Cole Turner and wide receiver Antonio Williams.
“It means a lot to have them here,” Klubnik said. “I didn’t ask them to do this. They didn’t have to give up the Sabbath. The guys saw my social media post about the camp and some asked if they could come and give back to the community.”
This article originally appeared in the Herald-Journal: Clemson football QB Cade Klubnik offers learning opportunity to camp kids
