DJ Uiagalelei discusses progress since last season, excitement to show growth

DJ Uiagalelei had to take a long hard look in the mirror after his struggles from last season. Over the offseason, Uiagalelei worked feverishly at progressing his game and skill set for 2022. And during a recent press conference, the Clemson Tigers quarterback discussed his progress since last year and shared his excitement to show off his growth.

“I’m super excited coming into this game; excited to get into the season. It’s been a long offseason of playing against the same opponent every single day in practice. So I’m excited to go against a new opponent with Georgia Tech,” said Uiagalelei. “I’m just excited to go out there. With all the hard work I put in the offseason, summer, and spring, I’m excited to go out there and display it in the first game.”

Clemson will start their season against ACC rival Georgia Tech. In last year’s matchup, Uiagalelei and the Tigers’ offense struggled against the Yellow Jackets’ defense. Uiagalelei finished the game completing 18 of his 25 pass attempts for just 126 yards and no touchdowns. And in preparation for their Week 1 matchup, the team has been watching film from last year’s game. Something Uiagalelei is more than comfortable doing.

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“Watching the game back, there are definitely a lot of mistakes that I wish I could have done better, fundamentally-wise. Just different plays in the game, decision making; going back on it, I mean, it’s always good to watch and see different mistakes. It’s also good to see the stuff you did good in the game.”

Regardless of whatever happened last season, Uiagalelei is a competitor and wants the opportunity to get back out there and redeem himself. But not only does he want to have a great showing against Georgia Tech, but Uiagalelei is also excited to show off his growth from over the offseason.

“I think I see a totally different guy. A guy that’s gotten a lot better than from the last game against Georgia Tech. Someone that’s gone through it, and someone that’s gotten a lot better throughout the offseason; throughout the hard work I put in. I definitely see a different quarterback.

“I think, not just me, but everyone on this whole team; offense and defense, we all put in the work this summer and spring. We’ve all tried to get better and definitely gotten better. On the offensive side of the ball… mentally and physically, I think this year it’s in a totally upward direction. It’s even better from last year. I think a lot of that comes from the maturity of the team. I think there is a different level of maturity on the team, and knowing that each and every day counts and how much each and every day matters.”

Uiagalelei and the Tigers must maintain a mature mindset and understand that each game matters. If they don’t, they can find themselves outside of the ACC championship game for the second season in a row.