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Top 5 landing spots for DJ Uiagalelei in college football transfer portal

By Dante Pryor

Sep 5, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (5) passing against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the second half of the Chick-fil-A kickoff game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (5) passing against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the second half of the Chick-fil-A kickoff game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2011; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; The Wake Forest Demon Deacons flag is run across the field after a touchdown during the third quarter at BB&T Field. The Virginia Tech Hokies defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2011; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; The Wake Forest Demon Deacons flag is run across the field after a touchdown during the third quarter at BB&T Field. The Virginia Tech Hokies defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

3. The Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Head coach Dave Clawson and offensive coordinator Warren Ruggiero like quarterbacks Mitch Griffis and Michael Kern for the long term. What Uiagalelei does well fits what Wake Forest likes to do offensively. If Uiagalelei wants to stay in the ACC, Wake Forest could be an option.

Wake Forest starting quarterback Sam Hartman threw for over 3,400 yards and 35 touchdowns. Both Hartman and Griffis averaged 9.5 adjusted air yards per attempt. Part of Wake’s passing tree is the deep pass, something Uiagalelei does well.

The big snag for Uiagalelei going to Winston-Salem is the possibility of Griffis and Kern transferring. Clawson could have an open competition during spring and summer camp, but Uiagalelei is likely looking for somewhere to start, not compete for a job. Also, A.T. Perry might bolt for the NFL, but Donavon Greene is likely to return in 2023.

Either way, Uiagalelei did not have that caliber of a wide receiver during his time at Clemson. Also, the scheme did not make life easier for Uiagalelei. The Wake Forest scheme is designed to get receivers open, something that was not always the case at Clemson.

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