Cardinals Rookie QB Clayton Tune Gaining Confidence in Camp

Arizona Cardinals QB Clayton Tune says he's getting more confident in himself.

GLENDALE -- We're inching closer to the start of the 2023 season, and the Arizona Cardinals have just over a week until their first preseason game. 

For rookies such as quarterback Clayton Tune, each week seemingly presents a new milestone. After being drafted and entering his first training camp, Tune will get the opportunity to play in his first NFL game next week when the Cardinals host the Denver Broncos. 

Yet it's not just any preseason game for a fifth-round pick - Cardinals QB Kyler Murray is still out and though Colt McCoy indeed has a grasp on starting duties, Tune's looking to make a serious push at getting playing time. 

"Each day that goes by I get more and more comfortable. I'm more comfortable with what I'm seeing in the reads and all that stuff," said Tune, who has gotten some first-team reps with the offense since Arizona opened camp last week. 

Even after telling reporters on his draft conference call he was the best quarterback in this year's class, Tune says he didn't expect to get somewhat significant snaps with the starters. 

"I didn't know what to expect - I was just gonna come in with the reps that I got and make the most of it and learn from the guys. Learn from the older guys and like I said, make the most of the reps that I did get," he said. 

Tune says going from his college offense at Houston to a pro-style attack has led to more ownership on his end in the run game, but the Cougars huddled often and that hasn't been as lofty as an adjustment for the rookie. 

Tune says Murray and McCoy have taught him how to be a pro:

"Just as far as ball goes, learning defenses, learning protections, fronts, all that stuff. And then just how to handle yourself as a pro. Show up early, take notes, do things right, all those types of things," said Tune.

"I think it goes back to how to be a pro. Obviously Colt's played in the NFL for a long time. Kyler's played for a few years now. They've learned a lot of about how to play the game, how to manage and operate during a game and just how to conduct yourself off the field."

Earlier in minicamp, Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon praised Tune for his ability to take chances. 

With any rookie, mistakes will be part of the process. Tune said he made his fair share of mishaps already and there's likely more coming, especially with live competition around the corner. 

Tune recalls his small yet bold reminder that he was now in the NFL:

"We had outside zone to the left. I opened up to the right, realized I was wrong and tried to pitch it back and it hit the running back and fell on the ground and it was just bad, bad play," recalled Tune. 

Tune has gathered a minor cult following during his time in Arizona. Fans dubbed "Tune Squad" have really made an effort to make their opinions heard on who they believe should start in Week 1. 

Tune says he's unaware of that support, but from afar, he's certainly aware there's an opportunity for him in the coming weeks. 

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