Clemson Football: Five freshmen most likely to make an impact in 2022

Cade Klubnik

The message from the coaching staff has been clear and consistent: DJ Uiagalelei is the starting quarterback, and that has never been in doubt through the spring and fall camp. Most who have observed practices confirm that DJU’s work ethic and preparation have improved significantly, and it has had a positive effect on his play.

While I don’t doubt DJU’s desire to improve, I am convinced the presence of Cade Klubnik in the spring & fall camp has been a strong influence. Klubnik was highly regarded out of high school, and he has the reputation of an outgoing leader that connects well with teammates, which are qualities that had been questioned in DJU.

It sounds like Klubnik has impressed the coaching staff enough to earn playing time this season. They might plan to give him the 3rd or 4th series of a game. It’s possible they will prepare a special package for him. Honestly, it doesn’t matter.

What matters is that Klubnik’s mere presence in camp has created a competition at quarterback that almost everyone admits was not present last season.

Time will tell if DJU’s improvements are enough for him to retain the starting job. If he doesn’t play well, the odds that Klubnik will step into the starting lineup are very high.

If DJU does play well and retains the starting job all season, I can still make a strong argument that much of his improvement was due to Klubnik pushing him since the end of last season.

Even if the other four freshmen on this list log more snaps than Klubnik, one way or another he is the freshman most likely to have a positive impact on the Tigers this season.