There are very few traditions in college football as iconic as the pregame rituals at Clemson. The Tigers’ bus rolls around Memorial Stadium, and the excitement builds as they prepare to touch Howard’s Rock and make their legendary run down the hill into Death Valley. For players like quarterback Cade Klubnik, this moment is not just a routine; it’s an exhilarating part of what makes home games so special.
### The Magic of the Pregame Tradition
While making a recent appearance on Field Talk, Klubnik shared his thoughts on Clemson’s famed pregame tradition. “It’s insane,” he exclaimed. “I think it kind of gives you a moment to smell the roses too. You come off the bus — one of the coolest parts, I think, is coming around the corner and kind of seeing the edge of the stadium kind of go away and you just see it all open up. Then you hop off the bus and you run to the rock. You’re all locking arms, and the whole stadium is just like a sea of orange, pretty much. It’s insane. It’s so cool.”
This moment is particularly special for Klubnik. It’s a chance to soak in the atmosphere and appreciate the fans who fill the stands. “It kind of gives you a moment to smell the roses because you’re up there for about a minute, maybe 45 seconds. They’re finishing the band song and all that. You’re really just looking around. It’s pretty cool,” he said.
### The Focus Shifts to the Game
Once he’s down the hill, however, the focus shifts entirely to the game. “I don’t ever really try to look around at stuff. I’m really just focused on — I don’t try to look in the stands and all that. It’s just, yeah, but I think that time is really cool. Coming down that hill and running it, all of it, it’s — I don’t think there’s anything like it. There’s nothing like it.”
The energy in Death Valley is palpable, and this unique tradition is a significant part of what makes Clemson such a formidable home team. Since 2022, the Tigers have posted an impressive 17-4 record in home games, a feat that speaks to the power of their fan base and the motivation it provides the players.
### Looking Ahead: A Senior Season with Promise
As Klubnik prepares for his senior season in 2025, he reflects on the journey so far and the potential that lies ahead. “First of all, I think I need another year to really develop and keep getting better. I’ve got two years, really, under my belt starting and played some my freshman year. It’s that, I want to go get better, but I’m still hungry for what I know this program has. We’re gonna be bringing nine starters back on offense and probably seven or eight on defense. We’ve got a great thing coming back,” he explained.
Clemson has a rich history of success, and Klubnik is determined to add to that legacy. “I came to Clemson to win a national championship. That’s still right here for me. I think we’ve got the best team we’ve had since I’ve been here coming back. That’s really what I wanted,” he said passionately.
### The Countdown to Game Day
The excitement is building as the countdown begins for the season opener on August 30th. Klubnik will once again run down the hill into Death Valley, this time facing off against the LSU Tigers. The anticipation surrounding this matchup is already palpable, and fans are eager to see how the Tigers will perform.
Clemson’s tradition of running down the hill is more than just a spectacle; it’s a moment that encapsulates the spirit of college football. The roar of the crowd, the vibrant orange in the stands, and the adrenaline coursing through the players’ veins all come together to create an unforgettable experience.
### The Importance of Tradition in College Football
Traditions like Clemson’s pregame run are what make college football so unique and cherished. They foster a sense of community, pride, and excitement that resonates beyond the field. For players, these moments are a reminder of the hard work and dedication that goes into representing their university. For fans, they create memories that last a lifetime.
As the season approaches, the anticipation grows not just for the games themselves but for the moments that make college football special. The sights, sounds, and emotions that come with running down the hill are a testament to the passion that fuels this sport.
In the world of college football, few experiences can rival the thrill of being a part of Clemson’s pregame tradition. With Cade Klubnik at the helm, the Tigers are poised for a season filled with promise, excitement, and the hope of achieving greatness once again. The stage is set, and the countdown to kickoff has begun!
