Dabo Swinney 'really proud' of DJ Uiagalelei overcoming interception

Interceptions used to be the bane of DJ Uiagalelei’s existence. After finishing with more picks than touchdowns last season, the Clemson quarterback has worked wonders to improve that ratio in 2022. Even after he threw his second of his season on Saturday, though, Dabo Swinney said he saw his quarterback do something that gave him a lot of pride.

Swinney broke down Uiagalelei’s turnover and then his response during media after Clemson’s win over Boston College. He said Uiagalelei made a bad call on the read that led to the interception but that he was happy to see him continue to play well afterward.

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“Really proud of DJ. He made a bad decision. (DJ) thought he could kind of lift it over the flat defender there and he just kind of threw it off his back foot. He really has not done that,” said Swinney. “He’s been very good with the ball but it was good to see him bounce back.”

The interception came early in the game at the end of the first quarter. However, Uiagalelei went on to finish the day with 220 yards and three touchdowns. It was the exact opposite of how he would have responded a season ago. That’s why Swinney was happy to see that ‘next play’ mentality on full display.

“That was a great play to Beaux (Collins) for the touchdown. Heck of a throw to (Brannon) Spector for the touchdown,” Swinney said. “Just really did a nice job of just going on to the next play.”

A massive part of Clemson’s improvement in 2022 has been the growth of Uiagalelei. The part of his game that has improved the most at the halfway point of the Tiger’s season is undoubtedly his protection of the football. While he may have lost one this weekend, his response to it continues to show the maturation in that area.