Breaking News: EJ Manuel Issues Bold Statement on Clemson QB Cade Klubnik
Former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst EJ Manuel has made waves in the college football community by issuing a bold and confident statement about Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik. During a recent appearance on ESPN’s “College Football Live,” Manuel heaped praise on the young signal-caller, describing Klubnik as “one of the most promising quarterbacks in the nation” and declaring that “he has the tools to be a top NFL Draft pick.”
Manuel, who played at Florida State and was a first-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, knows what it takes to succeed at both the college and professional levels. His endorsement of Klubnik carries significant weight, especially considering Clemson’s recent quarterback legacy, which includes stars like Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence. Klubnik has faced the pressure of stepping into the spotlight and leading a program with championship expectations, and according to Manuel, he is rising to the occasion.
“Cade Klubnik has everything you want in a quarterback,” Manuel said. “He’s calm under pressure, he makes smart decisions with the football, and he has the kind of arm strength and accuracy that translates to the next level. But what really stands out is his leadership. You can see the team believes in him.”
Klubnik, a former five-star recruit out of Texas, took over the starting job for the Clemson Tigers with high expectations. While his journey has included some ups and downs, he’s continued to develop and mature on the field. Manuel’s praise comes at a time when NFL scouts are beginning to take a closer look at potential draft prospects for 2025, and his remarks could spark even more attention toward Klubnik in the months ahead.
Throughout the 2024 season, Klubnik has shown flashes of brilliance, leading the Tigers in several hard-fought contests and displaying a growing command of the offense. Despite some challenges with consistency and protection up front, he has remained composed and determined. According to Manuel, those traits are what separate average quarterbacks from the great ones.
“You can coach mechanics, you can develop schemes, but you can’t teach poise,” Manuel emphasized. “Klubnik already has that, and that’s rare for a young guy. If he keeps progressing at this rate, I don’t see any reason he won’t be one of the top quarterbacks off the board when he declares.”
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has also expressed confidence in Klubnik, consistently highlighting his work ethic, intelligence, and character. With the backing of both his coach and a respected analyst like Manuel, Klubnik’s reputation is on the rise.
Fans and analysts alike are now keeping a closer eye on Klubnik’s weekly performances. If he continues to build on his strong showings and refines his decision-making, the NFL buzz will only intensify.
EJ Manuel’s comments have certainly added fuel to that conversation, and for Cade Klubnik, it may be just the beginning of his journey from promising college quarterback to a future NFL star.
