David Platt
Name: Cade Klubnik
Position: Quarterback
Recruiting Rank: 5-Star Recruit
High School: Westlake High School (Austin, TX)
College: Clemson
Captain: No
Measurables
Height: 6’2
Weight: 210
40 Yard: 4.65
10 Yard: Unknown
Arm Length: Unknown
Hand Size: Unknown
Vertical: Unknown
3 Cone: Unknown
Broad Jump: Unknown
Bench: Unknown
Position Specific
Positives in Pass Game:
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Quick, compact release with consistent mechanics across platforms
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Excellent touch and accuracy on deep passes, particularly on verticals and seam routes
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Keeps eyes downfield while extending plays, delivering accurate throws on the move
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Good anticipation and timing on intermediate throws, often hitting receivers in stride
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Strong improvisational ability, thrives when structure breaks down
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Shows strong pre-snap recognition, able to diagnose static looks and exploit matchups
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Proven clutch performer with multiple fourth-quarter comebacks
Negatives in Pass Game:
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Can hold onto primary read too long, leading to late throws or missed opportunities
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Inconsistent post-snap processing against disguised coverages
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Tendency to force throws under immediate duress rather than taking safe options
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Short-passing game accuracy and ball placement still a work in progress
Positives in Run Game:
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Legitimate dual-threat ability, adds value with designed runs and scrambles
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Good straight-line speed with the ability to gain chunk yardage in space
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Effective on zone reads and RPO concepts
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Dangerous in red-zone situations with rushing touchdowns on designed QB keepers
Negatives in Run Game:
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Frame is lean and may not withstand consistent NFL punishment on designed runs
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Relies more on speed than power—can struggle to finish runs against bigger defenders
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Needs to learn when to slide and avoid unnecessary contact
The Wrap-up
Summary: Klubnik brings an NFL-ready arm and the athleticism to create problems for defenses both through the air and on the ground. He’s earned a reputation for stepping up in big moments and leading his team when the pressure is highest. He still has areas to clean up—mainly reading defenses after the snap and being more consistent in the short passing game—but the arrow is pointing up. With his track record of development and production against top competition, he’s firmly on the radar as a potential first-rounder.
Injury Concerns: None noted. A satirical post on a message board claimed he had been T‑boned near campus and was unable to move his arm or shoulder. But his mother, Kim Klubnik, firmly and directly debunked it: “Thankfully, it is fake news. Cade is fine!”
Character/Off-Field Concerns: None noted.
Projected Role: Fits best in a spread or RPO-heavy system that emphasizes mobility and play-action vertical concepts.
Strong Points:
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Deep ball accuracy and touch
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Dual-threat athleticism
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Pocket presence and improvisation
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Leadership and poise in big games
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Steady year-over-year improvement
Weak Points:
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Lean frame, needs added strength
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Processing vs disguised coverages
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Short passing efficiency/ball placement
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Decision-making under pressure
Exposures:
- Georgia (2024)
- Virginia (2024)
- @ Texas (2024)
About the Author
Dalton Tinklenberg is the Founder and Media Director of The Scouting Depot, where he leads comprehensive coverage of college and professional football. He is an active member of some of the most respected organizations in sports journalism, including the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA), Maxwell Football Club, Online News Association (ONA), National Football Foundation (NFF), and the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).
Before launching The Scouting Depot, Dalton worked with Blue HQ Media, where he covered major sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500, the College Football Playoff, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Through his professional affiliations and on-the-ground experience, Dalton combines deep knowledge of the game with recognized standards of storytelling, editorial excellence, and authenticity in sports coverage.
