© Ken Ruinard / employees / USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Photos
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is leaving no stone unturned in his journey to guide the Tigers to a nationwide championship as a senior. The previous five-star is learning a number of NFL quarterbacks, together with Kansas Metropolis Chiefs backup Bailey Zappe, in hopes of enhancing his recreation.
Klubnik, a extremely touted prospect out of Texas, appeared in 10 video games as a real freshman in 2022. He then gained the beginning job out of camp as a sophomore, however he struggled all through the season as Clemson went simply 9-4. However in his junior season, Klubnik appeared to determine issues out.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound sign caller by means of for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns, and simply six interceptions because the Tigers gained an ACC Championship and really almost upset Texas within the opening spherical of the Faculty Soccer Playoff. Klubnik put up 336 yards and three touchdowns towards the Longhorns and established himself and Clemson as a power to be reckoned with heading into the 2025 season.
However he’s not carried out enhancing. In an interview with Andy Staples of On3 Sports activities, Klubnik mentioned he’s learning to former school greats with a purpose to refine his recreation. The primary, unsurprisingly, in Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow. The second, nevertheless, comes as a shock.
Klubnik advised Staples that he’s studied tape of Kanas Metropolis Chiefs backup (and former New England Patriots starter) Bailey Zappe. Zappe transferred from FCS Houston Baptist to Western Kentucky as a senior. He then torched the FBS stage, throwing for five,967 yards and 62 touchdowns as a senior.
However Zappe is much from a celebrity. In reality, he’s now considerably of a journeyman as an NFL backup. So why is Klubnik learning him?
“Final 12 months, I studied senior 12 months of Bailey Zappe, as a result of he had a terrific 12 months,” Klubnik defined. “I needed to enhance my presence within the pocket, anticipation and simply supply. So I studied him.”
Whereas it might sound foolish to some, Zappe was a downright celebrity as a senior. The Convention USA Participant of the Yr set information for each passing yards and touchdowns, every of which nonetheless stands right this moment.
Klubnik in all probability gained’t try this for the Tigers. His offense gained’t want him to. But when he even comes shut, Clemson will but once more be a nationwide championship risk.
