Eric Mac Lain details DJ Uiagalelei's growth, how Cade Klubnik could factor in Clemson QB room

ACC football analyst Eric Mac Lain recently joined JD PicKell on the On3 YouTube channel, where the two discussed ACC football at large but also dove into Clemson specifically, breaking down their quarterback battle at length.

Mac Lain went in depth on the steps necessary for DJ Uiagalelei to improve from last season. Plus, how a year of experience and more stable surrounding pieces on offense will be a big help.

You can watch his comments here or read them in full below.

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Eric Mac Lain on Clemson QB battle

“I think it all centers around quarterback. I think that’s the easy answer, but it’s the easiest answer to give. Because that’s how important that position is. I think DJ has to make improvements. He’d be the first one to tell you that he did not play to the standard that has been set at the quarterback position at Clemson a year ago.

“Were there other factors around it? Asbolutely. You know, wide receivers dropping balls left and right, no continuity of the offensive line, different starters just in general. I mean he was out half of his production and skill group throughout the year. So, I think if they can stay healthy, if that continuity can be developed in any kind of way, there’s going to be drastic improvement. And then just personally, DJ getting better, losing that weight, redefining his body, and just being a totally different guy.”

“We have no inclination whether he can do better than he did a year ago until Clemson kicks off against Georgia Tech. Until then, I don’t think we’ll know how much better that he has gotten. So after that game, we can do another podcast and I’ll tell you right away. Because I think that that’s where we will see just how quickly he can get that thing out and how mobile he has become.

“But as you just mentioned, if he hasn’t changed, Clemson now has a legitimate No. 2. And Dabo Swinney has said many many times, this is the best quarterback room I’ve ever had. I think he’s right, because of the star power that is there at the same time. You know, there’s been a really nice kind of of system where it was one after another after another. Well now, they potentially have two at the same time.

“Cade Klubnik is a guy that — I don’t necessarily think he can win the job. I think DJ will have to lose it. But he can win. He’s ready. That’s all he does his whole career. He played at the highest level of high school football in Texas. There’s nothing that is going to rattle that young man outside of physically getting hit. So I think that he’s going to be ready for a moment. He’s going to be ready when that time comes. It’ll be interesting. Is that now or when DJ leaves?”