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Clemson

JD Pickell: DJ Uiagalelei's experience matters for Clemson's College Football Playoff chances

Alex Weberby:Alex Weber•08/02/22
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Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images

After a disappointing 2021 campaign, folks were rightfully down on Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei coming into this season. The Tigers offense frankly wasn’t very good with him under center. But the question is: can he improve enough to take Clemson back to the College Football Playoff? On3’s JD PicKell believes so, and that Uiagalelei is the only QB on the roster who could guide this team to better results in 2022.

PicKell is skeptical that the other quarterbacks on the roster could carry the load for an ACC Champion caliber team. Though he struggled last season, at least Ugialelei has the necessary experience — and at times, the arm — to give Clemson a higher ceiling in his second full season as the starter.

You can watch PicKell’s comments from the On3 YouTube channel right here, or read them in full below.

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JD PicKell on Clemson quarterback room

“I think DJ is your guy because of what he brings to the table from an experience standpoint. Even more so, who else are you turning to? And that’s not a knock on Cade Klubnik. Think Cade Klubnik is the future at Clemson. Again, I don’t think that’s a novel concept, either. Cade Klubnik is going to be your guy and do a lot of great things at Clemson. But in 2022, does he really give you the best chance to get to the playoff? Zero knock on Cade Klubnik. I just told you he’s the future. But if you watch the spring game — game’s still moving a little bit fast for him. He’s just getting up to playing weight.

“He’s going to be unbelievable in the future. But in terms of — to get Clemson to where this defense and this team is capable of going — don’t think Cade Klubnik is your guy. He’s going to be, but he’s not this year.

“Then you look elsewhere on the roster. Hunter Johnson, sixth-year senior. I think he’s told you what he is so far. He’s a great option, but he’s not going to be the guy to win the ACC for you. DJ Uiagalelei, when he’s on, when he’s playing like he did at Notre Dame, he’s the guy. He can take you to where you’re capable of getting. He’s got to put it together. But he’s got what you need under the hood.”