Jets' rookie QB Cade Klubnik eyes No. 2 job after impressing coaches

Cade Klubnik, the Jets' fourth-round pick out of Clemson, has already impressed coaches with his enthusiasm and athleticism.

"He's very eager to get this thing and figure it out," quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave said. "He's ready to rock and roll. [He asks] a lot of good questions. He's a good athlete. At his pro day, he might have run 4.57, so he can move.

"It'll be fun to see him versus live bullets in these preseason games and watch him develop because he's got a lot of athletic skills. We'll try to harness them and have him get good at this football thing at the pro level."

Reich impressed by Klubnik early on

Offensive coordinator Frank Reich said something clicked with Klubnik during the pre-draft process.

"Do I think there was a connection? Absolutely there was a connection," Reich said. "But because Cade is Cade, he knows how to make connections with people. That's one of his strengths, and I think he's made connection with his team."

Klubnik will compete with Bailey Zappe for the No. 2 job once training camp opens July 29, and to hear Musgrave talk, it feels like he could get off to a fast start.

"The young guys aren't as entrenched mechanically, but he's pretty sound," Musgrave said.

"He's got a good base, a good rhythm. ... He's got plenty good grip [on the ball], so there's not a lot of slipping in mid-motion. Those balls aren't coming unravelled when he throws it. He throws a nice, tight spiral.

"He really has a great skill set. I don't think we could be any more excited to work with a young guy than we are with Cade."

Could Klubnik push for the starting job?

Hearing him talk back in May, it was clear he wasn't lacking in confidence or ability to overcome adversity.

Back tightness cost the youngster the final two weeks of spring practice, but head coach Aaron Glenn said he'd been doing "a really good job" before that.

Smith has struggled at times in the last two years, throwing 32 interceptions to only 40 touchdowns with the Seahawks and Raiders.

If he continues to perform below par with the array of weapons at his disposal in New York, and Klubnik is truly ready to "rock and roll", the rookie could get his chance before the season ends.