Clemson commit Cade Klubnik shines at Elite 11

CLEMSON — Out in California, future Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is competing against the best prospects in the country at Elite 11.

So far, the Austin (Texas) Westlake quarterback is holding his own.

“Klubnik was easily the most consistent quarterback on Day 1,” writes Brandon Huffman of 247 Sports. “He showed great touch on his passes, ability to make all of the throws, putting heat on when needed and taking it off when the route called for it. He had impressive velocity and despite not having any real standout receivers to throw to, looked like he had no issues with timing and rhythm. In each of the drills, he showed his energy and competitiveness, not taking any reps off, looking laser-focused.”

After getting beat out by Alabama in the recruitment of Ty Simpson, Clemson quickly moved onto Klubnik offering the top-100 recruit on Feb. 26. One week later, Klubnik pledged to the Tigers. Out on the west coast, Klubnik is making a splash.

The competitiveness was on full display as a quarterback for Westlake High last season. The Chaparrals ran the table in 2020 on their way to a state championship. During the season, Klubnik threw for 3,495 yards and 35 touchdowns while also chipping in 583 rushing yards and 15 more touchdowns on the ground. This is a big-time player that is now performing on the biggest stage in football recruiting.

In his recruitment, things were wide open for a long time. That was all until Clemson came calling.

“Oh man. It’s really a dream come true,” Klubnik told Gerry Hamilton of On3. “If somebody would have told me a year ago I would be going to Clemson…I would have said ‘get out of my face’.”

Cade Klubnik is a blue-chipper that looks the part. (Birm/Lettermen Row)

The Elite 11 competition will last three more days with an MVP being named on Saturday. There is a ton of talent involved with commitments from Alabama, LSU, Penn State, USC, Texas, Florida, and Florida State all participating. However, No. 1 overall recruit Quinn Ewers is an Ohio State verbal commit who is the headliner of this year’s Elite 11. Klubnik has some history with the ballyhooed quarterback prospect.

While playing for Southlake (Texas) Carroll High in the suburbs of Dallas/Ft. Worth, Ewers led the Dragons to a 12-2 record last season while throwing for 2,442 yards and 28 touchdowns. However, Klubnik’s Westlake team defeated Southlake Carroll in a 52-34 shootout in the state championship.

Of course, Ohio State and Clemson are currently two of the most prominent programs in college football. The Buckeyes and Tigers have met in each of the last two College Football Playoffs, with each side taking home one win. This will be a matchup that will likely keep occurring in the postseason.

Now the two programs could be adding starting quarterbacks from Texas who are very familiar with each other. Buckle up for a wild ride.