The path to mastering any skill is rarely a straight line. True development is often defined by sudden leaps, frustrating plateaus, and even periods of regression. It is in these moments that intangible qualities like resilience and confidence become indispensable. While consistent improvement makes it easy to stay motivated, the willingness to persevere through lulls and downturns is what separates the elite.
For NFL scouts, identifying prospects who have demonstrated this perseverance is crucial. The transition to the professional level is a formidable challenge, and nowhere is this more apparent than at the quarterback position. The 2024 draft class provided recent examples with Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels, two quarterbacks who overcame significant early-career adversity at previous schools to become first-round picks. Their journeys highlighted how resilience can forge a more capable NFL prospect.
In the 2026 class, Clemson’s Cade Klubnik is emerging as a similar case study in growth. As one of the few top quarterback prospects in his class to start as a true freshman, Klubnik was thrust into the spotlight early. His sophomore season proved challenging, and as he averaged just 6.1 yards per attempt and Clemson missed the 10-win mark for the first time since 2010, calls to bench the former top recruit grew louder.
However, Klubnik responded with a significant leap in his development. His growth is the core building block of a potential franchise quarterback, and his evolution as a passer was evident. The most notable improvement was his willingness to attack downfield, with his average depth of target jumping from 7.0 to 9.4 yards. He accomplished this while becoming more efficient, reducing both his average time to throw and his sack rate. According to PFF, Klubnik recorded the fifth-most “big-time throws” (28) in college football last season—the most among all returning starters.
From a physical standpoint, Klubnik fits the modern quarterback mold. He is an effective athlete, having rushed for 588 yards and seven touchdowns last season, and his efficient pocket movement complements his reads. His tools draw comparisons to Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy; both are slightly undersized but possess light feet and NFL-caliber arms.
While Klubnik’s tape has not yet shown the consistency needed to make the professional jump, his draft stock is far from set. Given his drastic evolution, it is difficult to place a ceiling on his potential. With sky-high expectations for a loaded Clemson roster this season, Klubnik is positioned to raise his game once again and solidify his place in the first-round conversation.
Cade Klubnik NFL Draft profile
What scouts are saying about Cade Klubnik:
“Klubnik took a big step forward last season to the point that the popular opinion among NFL scouts is that he’s the second-best draft prospect at QB behind Nussmeier and a possibility to go early in the first round of next year’s draft. ‘Athletic, can create off script and a natural playmaker,’ an NFL director of player personnel said. ‘Talented passer. Kept Clemson in the game against Texas.'” — Matt Zenitz (national NFL/college football senior reporter for CBS Sports)
Cade Klubnik college stats:
| Season | G | GS | Comp | Att | Comp% | Pass yards | TD | INT | Pass yards/Att | Pass efficiency rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 14 | 14 | 308 | 486 | 63.4% | 3,639 | 36 | 6 | 7.5 | 148.2 |
| 2023 | 13 | 13 | 290 | 454 | 63.9% | 2,844 | 19 | 9 | 6.3 | 126.3 |
| 2022 | 10 | 1 | 61 | 100 | 61.0% | 697 | 2 | 9 | 7.0 | 120.1 |
| Career | 37 | 28 | 659 | 1040 | 63.4% | 7,180 | 57 | 18 | 6.9 | 136.0 |
Cade Klubnik 247Sports profile:
- High school: Westlake (Austin, Texas)
- Class: 2022
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (98)
- National: 13 | QB: 2 | Texas: 3
