Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is former Westlake standout

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 07: Cade Klubnik #2 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after the ACC Championship game against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Bank of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by

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AUSTIN, Texas - Texas will face Clemson in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

For the Clemson Tigers quarterback, a former Westlake High School standout, it will be a homecoming.

"All he did was win," said Westlake head coach Tony Salazar.

From the very beginning, Westlake High School head football coach Tony Salazar knew Cade Klubnik was destined for great things.

He first spotted Klubnik tossing the football on the sidelines during his older brother Reed's games.

Cade Klubnik signs to Clemson on signing day

"He's in the background back there and our players and coaches are playing catch with this little kid. And this is the one the little kid is now obviously starting quarterback at Clemson," said coach Salazar.

It all started at Chaparral stadium. Coach Salazar says Cade grew up just down the street from the field.

Through the years, coach Salazar says Klubnik rose through the ranks of the Westlake football team.

"It was kind of destiny for the kid that he was there with his older brother in the background, you know, always wanted to be that quarterback, grew up in the middle school ranks, did it all, obviously, and then went on to kind of bide his time and wait his time and learn the guys in front of them and then obviously made the most of it," coach Salazar.

Klubnik took the role of starting quarterback his junior year, leading the Chaparrals to two consecutive championships in 2020 and 2021.

"He can carry himself with integrity and class, but still, when the lights come on, don't be fooled now, like he has that switch to be the ultimate competitor on the field," said coach Salazar.

Now that same kid playing catch on the sidelines at Westlake will have an opportunity to play in the college football playoff.

Klubnik helped Clemson get to the final spot in the CFP after throwing four touchdowns in their three-point win over SMU in the ACC championship game.

Clemson even captured the moment of Klubnik finding out about his homecoming.

This matchup marks the first ever between Clemson and the University of Texas.

Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian was even excited about the matchup.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 07: Cade Klubnik #2 of the Clemson Tigers looks to pass the ball during the second half of the ACC Championship game against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Bank of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charl

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"What a cool story. Getting into the College Football Playoff in the first-round game is right here in Austin. Back home for him. So, there are a lot of really cool storylines in this ballgame. And that's definitely one of them," said coach Sarkisian.

Coach Salazar says he shows film of Klubnik to his players with the hope of inspiring them.

Klubnik even stopped in during his bye week to visit his Westlake family.

For coach Salazar, he says he’ll continue to support Klubnik in one of his biggest games ahead.

"I think he still has his best football still ahead of him. And I think that's what's so awesome and makes you so proud as you continue to see him, the growth in him as a football player," said coach Salazar.

The Longhorns take on the Tigers on December 21 at DKR.