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Clemson QB Cade Klubnik and Texas safety Michael Taaffe won a high school state title together

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 07: Michael Taaffe #16 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after a 31-12 victory against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on September 07, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 07: Michael Taaffe #16 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates after a 31-12 victory against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on September 07, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Clemson and Texas won't be so friendly with each other when the two teams face off in the first round of the 2024 College Football Playoff on Saturday.

However, one Tiger and one Longhorn have lots of history together, even going all the way back to elementary school.

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik and Texas safety Michael Taaffe grew up together in Texas and even won two state titles together at Westlake High School in Austin in 2019 and 2020, per the Austin American-Statesman's Thomas Jones.

These two childhood friends will now vie with each other for a chance to contend for a national championship, even if they're just meeting in the first round of a grander tournament.

However, with Klubnik a quarterback and Taaffe a safety, they'll quite literally be on the opposite side of the field come game day. Their shared experiences will become competitive advantages for each other.

Read more about Klubnik and Taaffe's history over at the Austin American-Statesman.

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This article originally appeared on For The Win: Clemson QB Cade Klubnik and Texas safety Michael Taaffe won a high school state title together