DJ Uiagalelei reveals how consistency with personnel has helped offensive cohesion

As Dabo Swinney‘s team prepares to resume conference play this weekend with a trip to take on No. 21 Wake Forest, increased consistency and comfort between quarterback DJ Uiagalelei and his passing game targets has led to significantly increased Clemson offensive cohesion.

Consider this: The Tigers have had at least 10 players catch a pass in each of their three games this season.

Uiagalelei has really spread the love, with no receiver piling up double-digit catches just yet and the total number of players who have caught a pass this season now standing at 15. Having the ability to connect with so many different targets doesn’t happen without a good deal of work.

Timing, anticipation and leading throws properly all come into play.

“It’s important, man,” Uiagalelei said about the work he put in with his targets this offseason. “I’d be lying to you if it wasn’t important to be able to get that timing in. That’s everything for a quarterback and receivers, timing.”

Clemson’s offensive cohesion came with hard work

The Tigers don’t boast an elite passing attack just yet. Clemson’s passing offense currently ranks just 76th nationally, right in the middle of the country, averaging 243 yards per contest.

There’s certainly room for improvement.

Still, Uiagalelei has looked more and more comfortable each week. That’ll be put to the test this weekend against Wake Forest. But the junior quarterback goes into the marquee conference matchup feeling pretty in sync with his targets.

That’s all thanks to the work Uiagalelei and his guys have put in.

“To be able to know exactly where he’s going to be at and the receiver to know exactly where the ball’s going to be at, the only time to get that is through repetition,” he said. “So to be able to continue to have reps each and every week has been great.”

Clemson and Wake Forest will kick off at noon ET on ABC.