Does Clemson football have two-quarterback system since freshman Cade Klubnik is 'going to play'?

CLEMSON – Freshman quarterback Cade Klubnik is forcing his way into Clemson’s plans, not with his arm but with his legs.

Klubnik is the top backup to starter D.J. Uiagalelei as the fourth-ranked Tigers move closer to the Sept. 5 season opener at Georgia Tech (8 p.m., ESPN). Klubnik's speed adds a different dynamic to the position and could get him on the field right away.

“Cade’s going to play. There’s no doubt about it,” offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Brandon Streeter said. “How much is hard to tell.”

Streeter has a playlist especially for Klubnik, and he plans to use it.

“It’s always based on what we’re doing on offense and how we’re moving the ball and all those things,” Streeter said. “We roll in plays based on what their skill set is. He can move out of the pocket a little better than D.J. He can run the ball on the edge a little better than D.J.”

Klubnik, like Uiagalelei before him, was a five-star recruit and considered by scouting services the best prep quarterback in the country. Klubnik led Westlake High School in Austin, Texas, to three consecutive championships in the state’s largest division. He threw for nearly 7,500 yards and 86 touchdowns (only seven interceptions). His scrambling ability and designed runs led to 1,300 yards and 31 touchdowns rushing.

“He’s a problem in the pocket because he’s really, really fast,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “It’s just awesome because he can really create. It’s also good for our defense to see speed like that because he can really, really run.”

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“He’s made so many plays against our defense with his legs,” senior All-ACC offensive lineman Jordan McFadden said. “He’s quick and he can throw the ball really well, too.”

Uiagalelei, a junior, is the unquestioned starter, but he’ll have to play well to keep it that way. Last year, despite leading Clemson to a 10-3 record, was a disappointment for him after being mentioned in preseason as a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy. He had more interceptions (10) than touchdown passes (nine) and ranked 15th in the ACC in passing efficiency.

Klubnik will likely get a chance against Georgia Tech but certainly will have extended opportunities in the next two games against Furman and Louisiana Tech.

“Cade’s had a great camp. He’s killed it,” Uiagalelei said. “He brings life and energy to the team. I’m excited for him.”

Klubnik was considered Clemson’s No. 2 quarterback the day he stepped on campus in January. By the end of spring practice, he already had a veteran presence.

“That’s tough, especially as a freshman,” McFadden said, “coming in here around a bunch of older guys and still continuing to lead. It shows you what kind of guy he is.”

“He brings energy. He brings leadership,” Streeter said. “All the guys respect him because of his work ethic and who he is as a person and his character. There’s a ton of confidence in Cade when he goes in there.”

Todd Shanesy covers Clemson athletics for the USA TODAY Network.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Cade Klubnik: Clemson football freshman QB will play but how much?