Offseason work paying off for DJ Uiagalelei, Clemson offense

Clemson junior quarterback DJ Uiagalelei feels more in command of the Tigers offense than he ever has before. Entering his third year in Death Valley, Uiagalelei is looking to make a big leap in his second season as the starter in Death Valley.

2021 was up-and-down for the former top-ranked quarterback recruit and Clemson, despite a 10-3 final record. A major shortcoming then, he and head coach Dabo Swinney have noted, were self inflicted negative plays: turnovers and sacks. Now, with another offseason under his belt and even more confidence and familiarity with his team, Uiagalelei is feeling good ahead of the 2022 campaign and is even sensing his more advanced leadership.

“Just experience,” Uiagalelei said. “But also, just having a better feel of it. Going through it. I feel like I’ve seen different pictures, knowing kinda what to do. Kinda talk to guys a little differently, knowing my teammates a little better now, after a whole year.”

Asked what is different about his play from a year ago, Uiagalelei lauded some of the mechanical changes he’s been pushed to make under new offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter. He’s already noticed some of the benefits just halfway through Clemson’s fall camp.

“Lot of stuff coach Streeter taught me and coach Streeter talked about coming into the season” Uiagalelei said. “Different stuff with mechanics, footwork. Having a nice base, keeping feet underneath me. Moving around the pocket. Just having the same release every time.”

He continued: “It’s been a big difference. Just being more consistent with my base. All starts with your base. So with me having a good, solid base — and that’s what the main part of the throw is.”

Streeter is replacing Tony Elliott as offensive coordinator for Clemson — Elliott is now the head coach at Virginia. Elliott coached the Tigers offense for seven years since 2015 and his departure could’ve seriously rocked the boat. However, Swinney kept things in-house and promoted Streeter to fill the open role — on top of serving as quarterbacks coach. Even with the change up top for Clemson, Uiagalelei said the offense is right on track.

“I think we’re right there, man,” Uiagalelei said. “Going through camp, the main part of camp is, every day we’re not going to be perfect. Every day might not be the best day. We move to another day, it might be great. But the main thing about camp is being consistent. Getting better each and every day, and not making the same mistake twice. Learn from mistakes from today and not doing that same mistake tomorrow. So far we’re doing a really good job of that and not making the same mistake twice.”