Dabo Swinney expressed pride in DJ Uiagalelei's leadership

Dabo Swinney finally made the switch. DJ Uiagalelei had started all season for Clemson but, at the start of ACC Title Game, Swinney checked true freshman Cade Klubnik in as he went on lead the Tigers to the 39-10 win over North Carolina. With that change set to continue in their appearance in the Orange Bowl later this month, Swinney did want to take a moment and give Uiagalelei the credit he deserves.

Following the win over the Tar Heels, Swinney expressed his admiration for Uiagalelei in their press conference. He says the fact of the matter is Clemson wouldn’t have had the opportunity they did this weekend without him, even if it was Klubnik who finished the job.

“I’m proud of DJ. The leader he is, the man of character that he is,” said Swinney. “The reality is we would not have won the Atlantic and we wouldn’t have been here tonight without him. And we wouldn’t have won the ACC Championship tonight without Klubnik.”

Uiagalelei was much improved this season with over 2,500 yards and 22 touchdowns. However, he’d slowed down since their loss at Notre Dame. Uiagalelei then ended the regular season with a poor showing against South Carolina. When he started 2/5 for 10 yards against UNC, Swinney decided it was time to look to Klubnik.

Swinney wanted to make sure everyone understands the impact Uiagalelei has had on Clemson’s program and season. Even though he benched him on the team’s biggest stage, he says there’s nothing but respect inside the Tiger program for Uiagalelei.

“Again, we don’t win the Atlantic without DJ. There’s no doubt about that,” Swinney said. “(We) appreciate who he is. He’s one of the most respected young men that has come through this program. His teammates love him.”

“Things (just) have to happen the way they’re supposed to happen. And, tonight, that’s the way it went.”

There’s no telling what the future will hold for Uiagalelei yet. Whether it’s with Clemson or not, though, there’s going to be a lot of respect out there for a productive player like him who’s gone through all he has during his time in Death Valley.