DJ Uiagalelei

The offseason has brought hyper attention to the quarterback position at Clemson. Uiagalelei is coming off a season that led the Tigers to dead last in the ACC in passing efficiency. At the same time Clemson brought in five-star true freshman and MaxPreps Player of the Year Cade Klubnik. Head coach Dabo Swinney has talked down any ideas that there may be a quarterback competition and stated “D.J. is definitely our starter,” following the Orange and White Spring Game. Following the poor year D.J. seems to be taking the job more seriously as he acknowledged he was carrying around too much weight and made it a point of emphasis to bring his 260+ pound body weight down to 240 by the start of spring practices. Uiagalelei will have to continue to put in this kind of work with new offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter in order to avoid another season like last year and to keep Klubnik on the sidelines.

Uiagelelei has big shoes to fill but his recruiting pedigree and significant action last season give Clemson fans and fantasy players a reason to buy in on the sophomore. The former five-star started two games in 2020, throwing for 781 yards with four touchdowns and no picks, including a 400-yard performance at Notre Dame. Some of 2020’s top producers are gone, but Clemson reloads at its skill positions with elite talent. Clemson’s talent advantage every week in the ACC will make things easy for DJU and his own talent makes him a worthy QB1 in drafts.