Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik enters his senior season as a Heisman contender, aiming to solidify his place among the all-time greats in program history. Meanwhile, former Tigers linebacker Barrett Carter is preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft. In a recent interview, Carter shared a behind-the-scenes story that encapsulates the relentless work ethic that has propelled Klubnik to this point-one that Carter had never told before.
Klubnik is known for his tireless dedication to the game. But according to Carter, that commitment wasn't just for show. It was an everyday expectation-one that even his veteran teammates weren't exempt from.
"I love sharing this story about Cade," Carter said. "A lot of guys like to say they're going to be the first one in and the last one out. Cade truly is the epitome of that."
Carter recalled an eye-opening moment during Clemson's early-season weightlifting sessions last year. As a graduating senior with no classes left to attend, Carter opted for the 8:30 a.m. lift-preferring to catch up on sleep rather than waking up for the earlier 6:30 or 7:30 sessions. But Klubnik, who had already completed his workout before Carter even arrived, took notice.
"He pressed me for going at 8:30," Carter said, laughing. "And he was being dead serious. He actually called me out, like, ‘Are you really about to go to the later lift when we've all been in here early?'"
Carter quickly realized that this wasn't just Klubnik setting an example-this was who he was. Whether in the weight room, the film room, or on the practice field, Klubnik was going to outwork everyone, and he wasn't afraid to hold teammates accountable.
"Seeing what he did this past season, I'm like, how you do anything is how you do everything," Carter said. "Whenever I would leave, I'd see Cade's truck still in the parking lot. He was up top watching film, doing his thing. First one in, last one out-every single day."
That mindset translated onto the field, where Klubnik threw for 7,180 yards and 57 touchdowns over his first three seasons. He enters 2025 ranked in the top five in nearly every major passing category in Clemson history, looking to add to his legacy with a championship run.
Carter, a two-time All-American and one of Clemson's most decorated linebackers, understands the value of leadership. But even as a senior captain, he saw something rare in Klubnik-an unwavering demand for excellence that extended to everyone around him.
"He didn't care who you were-senior, captain, whatever," Carter said. "He was going to call you out. He was going to make sure we held ourselves to a certain standard. And that's why he had the season he had."
Barrett Carter shared with us a story he has never told before… the moment he knew @CadeKlubnikQB was going to take a massive step for @ClemsonFB#leadershippic.twitter.com/NsX3lNBSEF
— Eric Mac Lain (@EricMacLain) April 1, 2025
With Klubnik leading the Tigers into 2025, Clemson fans can take comfort in knowing that their quarterback's work ethic isn't just a talking point-it's a way of life.
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This story was originally published April 1, 2025 at 1:23 PM.