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DJ Uiagalelei shows off power at Clemson student home run derby

Matt Connollyby:Matt Connolly•02/17/22•

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DJ Uiagalelei is entering his second season as Clemson's starting quarterback. (John Byrum/Getty Images)

Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei was a surprise participant in Wednesday’s student home run derby at Doug Kingsmore Stadium, which was hosted by the Tigers baseball program.

The junior put on a show for the hundreds of students who came out to watch and participate.

According to Tigers baseball coach Monte Lee, Uiagalelei “hit one out of the stadium.”

The fact that Uiagalelei impressed is not a surprise as the junior from California considered playing baseball at Clemson coming out of high school.

He throws in the mid-90s as a pitcher, and as he showed Wednesday, he’s also a power hitter.

While Uiagalelei came out and had some fun on the diamond, there’s been no indication that he could eventually consider joining the Tigers baseball program.

Uiagalelei’s focus has been all on football and looking to improve after a rough sophomore season. He wants to get back on track after finishing last season with 9 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions.

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Despite his struggles last season, Uiagalelei is on some early Heisman lists for 2022. According to Vegas Insider, Uiagalelei is tied for the fifth best odds to win the Heisman next season.

In order to have a shot, he will have to beat out incoming freshman quarterback Cade Klubnik. The five-star prospect arrived on campus earlier this winter after an incredible high school career in Texas.

Klubnik, Uiagalelei and the rest of the Clemson football team will begin spring practice next month. The Tigers will then hold their spring game on April 9.

Clemson is looking to bounce back in 2022 after finishing last season with a 10-3 record. The Tigers got off to a 2-2 start but won their final six games and eight of their final nine to finish with at least 10 wins for the 11th consecutive year.

The Tigers will begin the regular season on Sept. 5 in Atlanta, facing off against Georgia Tech. Meanwhile, the Clemson baseball team opens its season Friday, hosting Indiana in Game 1 of a three-game series.