Dabo Swinney definitively addresses D.J. Uiagalelei role, QB competition

Clemson wrapped up its spring football practice period with Saturday’s annual Orange vs. White game, sending the Tigers into summer workouts excited about the work they were able to put in over the past month. While most of the attention surrounding the team was on the quarterback competition, head coach Dabo Swinney provided an in-depth update on the matter following the spring game.

While sophomore D.J. Uiagalelei and On3 Consensus five-star freshman Cade Klubnik were the two signal-callers that have been competing for the No. 1 spot, Swinney – who’s coached some standout quarterbacks throughout his career – shared his thoughts on his quarterback room heading into summer workouts.

“Oh yeah – I rest real easy on that position,” Swinney said Saturday. “I love the guys that we have there – Billy Wiles and Hunter [Helms], as well. I love all four of those guys. We’ve got Trent Pearman coming in to join the group, Hunter Johnson will be starting here summer one and be out there, as well, so this is as good a room we’ve had at quarterback in a long time once we get everybody here. … In 2018, we won it all and Hunter Renfrow was our third-team quarterback. We had Trevor [Lawrence], Chase Brice – a redshirt freshman – and Hunter Renfrow, and the fourth-team was Will Spiers.

“We’re going to have a lot of functional guys in that room that I know will be ready if we need them, but I’m proud of D.J. He had a good spring and did what he needed to do to give himself some momentum going into summer from a mentality standpoint. Same thing with Cade – a lot to learn to this spring and being able to come out here and get a good foundation.”

Swinney: ‘D.J.’s definitely our starter’ heading into summer

While Dabo Swinney had plenty to say about his quarterbacks following Saturday’s spring game, he also went as far as to name his starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Although that decision could still change, the Tigers’ head man has already made up his mind.

“D.J.’s definitely our starter,” Swinney said – without hesitation. “He’s had a great spring and hasn’t done anything not to be the starter. Cade is a really talented player – I mean, we’ve got two guys that I think can win at a high level. … Just like when Trevor and D.J. were coming out of the spring.

“It’s not often that you can say that, but I’ve seen enough – from both those guys – to know that. It’s a good situation.”

Uiagalelei didn’t have the best season for Clemson a year ago, throwing for 2,246 yards and nine touchdowns with 10 interceptions, but it’s clear that Swinney has plenty of confidence in the quarterback to be the Tigers’ starter in 2022.