FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik already has a burgeoning reputation around the New York Jets.
"Probably one of the best ping-pong players I've ever met," wide receiver Garrett Wilson said.
The Jets' resident "Marty Supreme" hopes to show his new team that he's just as proficient in a football stadium as he is at the locker-room ping-pong table. Klubnik's first opportunity is Friday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the preseason opener at MetLife Stadium.
It's yet another quarterback debut for the Jets. Two debuts, actually. The other is journeyman Bailey Zappe, who is competing with Klubnik for the No. 2 job. There's also a re-debut, with starter Geno Smith back with the team that drafted him in 2013.
The Jets' quarterback situation is like a roulette wheel, coming up with a different number with almost every spin. Smith will be their eighth different opening-day starter in the last 13 years. He replaces Justin Fields, who succeeded Aaron Rodgers, who took over for Joe Flacco, an injury replacement for Zach Wilson, who replaced Sam Darnold, who followed journeymen Josh McCown and Ryan Fitzpatrick, who stepped in for Smith when the latter got his jaw broken by a teammate's fist.
Full circle.
While Smith has drawn praise from teammates and coaches for his veteran leadership -- coach Aaron Glenn predicted a career year for the 35-year-old -- the player with the most intrigue is Klubnik, a fourth-round pick from Clemson. He's intriguing because he's an unknown, the one variable in a quarterback depth chart that could get flipped again next year when (presumably) a highly drafted arm redefines everything.
Everyone, including the coaches, is curious to see how Klubnik responds under the lights. He demonstrates moxie and mobility in practices. He doesn't have the strongest arm on the team, but he did uncork a couple of majestic deep balls in joint practices with the Bucs. His competitiveness, which shows up at the ping-pong table, is what elicits the most praise.
"I love to win," he said, explaining his ping-pong dominance -- a statement that also applies to his real job.
"From Day 1, I was like, honestly, he trusts his training and his arm to make the throws where it's like, 'Man, wow!'" Wilson said.
The Jets are giving Klubnik every opportunity to win the No. 2 job, which could be risky for Glenn, who needs to win games this season. If Smith is felled by a major injury, could the offense function with a rookie at the helm?
Perhaps general manager Darren Mougey will try to trade for a veteran backup, but that's a tricky endeavor because teams aren't looking to sell off competent quarterbacks. Their personnel department is monitoring the QB landscape. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles, both of whom have four quarterbacks, are teams to watch. Could Mason Rudolph shake free in Pittsburgh? Andy Dalton in Philly?
If Klubnik is deemed not ready, perhaps they will turn to Zappe, a 2020 fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots with a 4-5 starting record. Brady Cook, who went 0-4 last season, is a distant fourth on the depth chart.
After 40 starts at Clemson, one of the crucibles of college football, Klubnik believes he has the mental toughness to handle the pressure of the NFL.
"When the fire is blazing, you have a little bit of a presence, kind of like, 'I've been here before,'" said Klubnik, who doesn't lack confidence.
Offensive coordinator Frank Reich, who was instrumental in the team's decision to draft Klubnik, praised his aptitude for the game and his ability to make big plays. He's also thrown a handful of interceptions in practice and seems to struggle in the red zone, where things move at hyper speed.
"You're a rookie quarterback, you're going to take your lumps, but I'm happy with the whole quarterback room," Reich said. "All those guys that are kind of competing for the No. 2 spot are doing a good job."
The preseason games are important for Klubnik, who can make deposits that can be withdrawn late in the season. If the Jets fall out of contention, it'll be easier to give Klubnik a late-season audition if he proves in the preseason that he's not overwhelmed.
The Jets know what they have in Smith, who has 98 career starts. The objective now is to find out about Klubnik.
"I've seen him grow each and every day, and that was the expectation for that player anyway," Glenn said. "There's still a lot to grow, a lot of growing for him to do when it comes to being a quarterback in the NFL, but I think the one thing that he does, he takes on the challenge."
Once Smith is done after a series or two against the Bucs, it'll be Klubnik's serve.