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Clemson Football: 3 biggest concerns heading into 2022 season

By Connor Muldowney

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 23: D.J. Uiagalelei #5 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with Beaux Collins #80 after rushing for a six-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field on October 23, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 23: D.J. Uiagalelei #5 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with Beaux Collins #80 after rushing for a six-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field on October 23, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei #5 of the Clemson Tigers looks to pass against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei #5 of the Clemson Tigers looks to pass against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

1. DJ Uiagalelei’s regression in 2021

Everyone expected the world from DJ Uiagalelei prior to the 2021 season thanks to his exceptional play in place of an injured Trevor Lawrence during the 2020 campaign.

Plus, being a former five-star didn’t hurt.

Uiagalelei passed for 2,246 yards and nine touchdowns with 10 interceptions this past season with a completion rate just above 50 percent. He was a shell of himself from the previous season and it felt like his regression really hurt Clemson and led to a 4-3 record through the first seven games.

Will promoting quarterbacks coach Brandon Streeter to offensive coordinator help Uiagalelei? It’s too early to say, but it’s not a good sign that Tony Elliott couldn’t even help him.

The regression from 2020 to 2021 is concerning but many feel like he will bounce back and have a breakout season with the Tigers in his second full year. Still, it’s concerning that he didn’t improve as a sophomore.

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