Clemson Football: 3 upperclassmen who must step up in 2022
By Dante Pryor
2. D.J. Uiagalelei, QB
The man affectionately known as “D.J. U” did not have the season most people thought he would have after the small sample size he had in 2021. During the time he started, Uiagalelei looked as if he would be plug-and-play after the departure of Trevor Lawrence to the NFL.
His 439-yard and two touchdown effort against Notre Dame made him look like the second coming of, well, Trevor Lawrence. That was not the case. In D.J.’s defense, the offensive woes were not all on him.
All three running backs missed time due to injury and there was a virtual revolving door in the wide receiver room. At times, the lack of offensive continuity and Uiagelelei overthinking contributed to a 55.6% completion percentage, nine touchdowns, and ten interceptions.
The offensive line underperformed as well.
Uiagelelei now finds himself in a battle with Cade Klubnik for QB1. Neither quarterback impressed during the spring game. According to head coach William “Dabo” Swinney, Uiagelelei has done nothing to lose his position from last season.
Hopefully, the offensive line plays better and the skill players stay healthy. That said, D.J. needs to be decisive with the football next season. He needs to play freely and let loose. Next season, the Tigers need him to play to his billing if they hope to return to college football’s elite.