Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik has sent a strong message to NFL teams before the draft.
Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik had his Pro Day on Friday, and he was definitely impressive.
Klubnik flashed his athleticism, his arm talent and appeared to boost his NFL Draft stock in the process, this after putting forth a rather limited workout at the Scouting Combine late last month.
Afterward, Klubnik sent a powerful message to NFL teams before the draft.
"I’ve had a lot of great conversations and just more than anything, I want to show (NFL teams) the fighter that I am," Klubnik said, via The Clemson Insider. "I’m just a gritty guy who will continue to just show up for his guys and fight through anything. I’m competitive and I’m willing to lay my body on the line, continue to show up."
The 2025 campaign represented quite the fall for Klubnik, who entered the season viewed as a potential No. 1 overall pick but watched his stock take a nosedive thanks to a rather rough showing.
Klubnik threw for 2,943 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 65.6 percent of his passes, rushing for just 94 yards on the year.
Cade Klubnik. Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images.That came after a brilliant 2024 campaign in which the 22-year-old finished with 3,636 yards and 36 touchdowns through the air as well as 463 yards and seven scores on the ground.
Actually, had Klubnik entered the NFL Draft last spring, he probably would have been a first-round pick.
Now, it stands to reason that the Clemson product could slip all the way to Day 3, and the chances of him actually landing a starting gig in his debut professional campaign are slim to none.
However, there is no question that Klubnik — for all of his deficiencies — has talent. That was on full display in 2024, and he gave scouts a taste of his raw ability at his Pro Day.
The chips will ultimately have to fall where they may, but perhaps there will be a club willing to take a chance on Klubnik on Day 2 of the draft. Or, at the very least, in the early stages of Day 3.
The NFL always has teams in need of quarterbacks, so maybe Klubnik can make his mark somewhere within the next couple of years.
Clemson Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Clemson Tigers. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.