Clemson football: 3 breakout stars for the Tigers in 2022

Should D.J. Uiagalelei struggle, look for Cade Klubnik to step up and win the job

This might be a worst-case scenario for Clemson, but it is one worthy of having a real discussion about. Clemson has risen to national prominence over the last decade due in large part to having a pair of transcendent quarterbacks, first with Deshaun Watson and then Trevor Lawrence. While D.J. Uiagalelei was tabbed as next, what if he is not? Let’s prepare ourselves for Cade Klubnik then.

A big reason why Clemson was not even close to a playoff team a year ago was the letdown sophomore season out of Uiagalelei. He had no chance against the Georgia front-seven in the season opener and seemed to play mostly shell-shocked for the rest of the campaign. Simply put, he has to be the guy this fall. Otherwise, Klubnik is too talented to be holding a clipboard for long…

Klubnik may only be a true freshman, but the five-star from Austin is every bit the blue-chip quarterbacking prospect. He played as the same Westlake High School that gave college football fans Drew Brees, Nick Foles and Sam Ehlinger. Klubnik might be next. Regardless, Uiagalelei will be on a short leash this season. If he struggles, then that will open up an opportunity for Klubnik.

Either Uiagalelei gets it together or Klubnik will be inserted in at quarterback to provide a spark.