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Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is leaving no stone unturned in his journey to lead the Tigers to a national championship as a senior. The former five-star is studying several NFL quarterbacks, including Kansas City Chiefs backup Bailey Zappe, in hopes of improving his game.
Klubnik, a highly touted prospect out of Texas, appeared in 10 games as a true freshman in 2022. He then won the starting job out of camp as a sophomore, but he struggled throughout the season as Clemson went just 9-4. But in his junior season, Klubnik seemed to figure things out.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound signal caller through for 3,639 yards, 36 touchdowns, and just six interceptions as the Tigers won an ACC Championship and very nearly upset Texas in the opening round of the College Football Playoff. Klubnik put up 336 yards and three touchdowns against the Longhorns and established himself and Clemson as a force to be reckoned with heading into the 2025 season.
But he’s not done improving. In an interview with Andy Staples of On3 Sports, Klubnik said he’s studying to former college greats in order to refine his game. The first, unsurprisingly, in Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow. The second, however, comes as a surprise.
Klubnik told Staples that he’s studied tape of Kanas City 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 level, throwing for 5,967 yards and 62 touchdowns as a senior.
But Zappe is far from a superstar. In fact, he’s now somewhat of a journeyman as an NFL backup. So why is Klubnik studying him?
“Last year, I studied senior year of Bailey Zappe, because he had a great year,” Klubnik explained. “I wanted to improve my presence in the pocket, anticipation and just delivery. So I studied him.”
While it may sound silly to some, Zappe was a downright superstar as a senior. The Conference USA Player of the Year set records for both passing yards and touchdowns, each of which still stands today.
Klubnik probably won’t do that for the Tigers. His offense won’t need him to. But if he even comes close, Clemson will yet again be a national championship threat.