How good is DJ Uiagalelei?

by Clark Kinney

First of all, I am a Clemson fan and I may be a little bias. DJ Uiagalelei was the number one pro-style quarterback in his class coming out of high school, topping C.J. Stroud at number two who ended up being the number two overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He should be good right?

In his freshman year at Clemson he did not see much time on the field because we (Clemson) had Trevor Lawrence as a starter; however, when we traveled to Notre Dame for a huge matchup, Trevor Lawrence had Covid and could not play so Dabo gave DJ the start. The tigers lost this game in double overtime but DJ played well with 2 TDs and 439 yards passing. That was pretty much the extent of what we saw from DJ that year.

The next season rolled around and the next great Clemson starting quarterback was ready to go. Dabo was comparing him to Cam Newton with his running capabilities but even a better passer. We fell to Georgia first game of the year 10-3 and DJ had no touchdowns and a pick-six. The rest of the year was mediocre for the Tigers and especially for DJ but I still thought he would eventually be good. 

He started again the next year for Clemson in front of five-star Cade Klubnik but again just was not great but showed signs of being decent. I still thought he had some skill. My thoughts on his skill all changed when I went to the South Carolina vs. Clemson game last year. I had watched him play before in person but not as close as I did then because of where I was seated. I was right behind the Clemson bench where I could easily see all of our quarterbacks warming up. I am not kidding when I say this…he could not throw a spiral. It wasn’t just warmups either, it was the whole game. He would drop back to throw it to a receiver and just throw a duck like it was awful. Also, I am no expert but you would think since he was big he would run hard but no. He would try to juke out linebackers and then get tackled from behind . by a defensive linemen because he is slow and not quick at all. Dude you are not Johnny Manziel. You are 6’4’’ 250+ lbs., just use your size, lower your shoulder, and run them over. 

So, “How good is DJ Uiagalelei?” Not good. He cannot consistently throw a spiral or even use his size to his advantage. If he learns how to do those two things at Oregon State, he probably will be good but I don’t see that happening.