Cade Klubnik, Clemson Football News: Draft Scout Player News

08/29/22 - QB Cade Klubnik, Jr/2026, Clemson

D.J. Uiagalelei is Clemson's starting quarterback. But that doesn't mean Cade Klubnik will only be holding a clipboard early this season. Clemson offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter reiterated after an Aug. 22 preseason camp practice that Klubnik will have a chance to play. Of course, the opener with ACC foe Georgia Tech is followed by non-conference games with Furman and Louisiana Tech, and should afford the Tigers an opportunity to bring the five-star freshman into the mix. "Cade's gonna play, there's no doubt about it," Streeter said. "How much is hard to tell. We're still a couple weeks away, and that's always based on what we're doing on offense, and how we're moving the ball, and all those things, take a big part of it, too." Clemson's coaches have been careful to buttress comments about Klubnik by reaffirming Uiagalelei is atop the depth chart.

The junior from California threw more interceptions, 10, than touchdowns, nine, during the 2021 season and completed 55.6 percent of his passes. He finished 15th in the ACC in passing efficiency, but there is hope Uiagalelei has refined his mechanics and can produce better results in his second year as starter. Klubnik, though, continues to make progress as the Tigers' No. 2. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has raved about Klubnik's speed as a runner, calling him a "problem" for defenses as a scrambler. While Klubnik has suffered from some "purple jersey syndrome," failing to get the ball out of his hands because he can't be hit by defenders, he's being coached out of that habit. If coaching won't do it, playing in a game certainly will. "Once he gets lit a few times, he'll get rid of it," Swinney said. - Charleston Post Courier

Jr/2026