DJ Uiagalelei reveals lessons learned from disappointing 2021 season

Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei’s struggles last season was the wake up call he, and Clemson, needed. Being a perennial powerhouse program and Uiagalelei coming in as a projected Heisman front-runner is enough pressure to see any person fold under.

“I felt like it was a blessing in disguise. Definitely the goal is to get to national championship,” he said. “But looking back at it from a different perspective, it was definitely a year I could grow and learn through adversity. Just to go through different challenges that make you a better person and player on the other side.

“I was thankful for it and thankful I took the challenges from last year head on, and I’m excited for this upcoming year.” 

Backing up Trevor Lawrence for the 2020 season, Uiagalelei saw the high level he was expected to play at first hand — he certainly did not live up to expectations and Clemson finished with a 10-3 record and a Cheez-It Bowl victory, which is a good season for many programs, just slightly disappointing after earning College Football Playoff berths for six consecutive seasons.

Uiagalelei finished the year 208 of 374 passing for 2,246 yard with nine touchdowns. He also finished the season throwing 10 interceptions with a 55.6 percent completion percentage. Despite growing pains of being a year one starter, Uiagalelei is back in the Heisman Trophy conversation with spring practice looming.

Fast forward to March, and spring practice is underway and the hype around the Clemson program and Uiagalelei is as if 2021 never happened. One reason for the newly renewed hype is Uiagalelei’s weight loss since the end of the season, noting the wonders it will do to his mobility.

“After the season, after I went home, I was eating a lot, a good bit, and I was like ‘I need to lose some weight,'” he said. “That was one of my main things. I wanted to get lighter on my knees and stuff like that. I probably lost 20-25 pounds right now. Right now, I’m at 240. Probably get down a little more to 235, maybe 230.”

Now, Uiagalelei has the fifth-best odds to win the award (+2000), according to Vegas Insider. Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young sits atop the group (+200). Ohio State QB CJ Stroud comes in slightly behind (+400), with new USC quarterback Caleb Williams in third at +900. Texas running back Bijan Robinson sits fourth ahead of Uiagalelei at +1500. 

But why is he so high in the conversations after the season he had when statistically, there are more deserving candidates that should be higher than Uiagalelei? The expectations will never go away, for Uiagalelei, and for Clemson. The Tigers are expected to be at the forefront of college football once again, and Uiagalelei is expected to lead the charge.