Mike Norvell assesses how DJ Uiagalelei has done in transition to FSU: 'He's done an incredible job'
DJ Uiagalelei has had an up-and-down college career to this point. Florida State head coach Mike Norvell expects the former Clemson and Oregon State quarterback to be at his best in 2024.
Norvell spoke with the media on Monday at the ACC Football Kickoff event about his starting quarterback and how he has done thus far since arriving in Tallahassee.
“He’s done a wonderful job,” Mike Norvell said. “And it’s good, through rule changes now for us to be able to be on the field while they’re going on air and be able to operate through plays and at least be able to build upon that timing with the receivers and routes on air and things like that. It was good to see his growth.”
DJ Uiagalelei was ranked as a five-star quarterback and the No. 12 overall player in the country in the class of 2020, per the On3 Industry rankings.
He spent three seasons with the Tigers, before entering the transfer portal after struggling late in the 2022 season. DJ Uiagalelei then spent last year at Oregon State, before transferring to Florida State in the winter. He had a strong spring with the Seminoles and has continued to build on that throughout this offseason.
“You see the confidence in the rhythm, the timing. You can see those relationships continuing to grow with all the different skill players, just even in how he’s communicating, the confidence and understanding of what we’re asking him to do. So he’s done an incredible job,” Norvell said. “I mean you see his body – carrying his bodyweight as good as I’ve seen him. And his movements and just the conditioning aspect of all of it. He’s really done a great job of leading by example and excited to see him take the field.”
Mike Norvell addresses challenge of replacing Florida State stars from 2023
Florida State will return 58% of its production from last season for the 2024 campaign, per ESPN. The team suffered significant losses, with standouts such as Jared Verse, Keon Coleman, Trey Benson and Jordan Travis heading to the NFL.
While it hurts to see so many great players move on, Florida State head coach Mike Norvell is still confident in his roster. At the 2024 ACC Media Days, Norvell revealed how he expects his team to cope with such a mass exodus of talent.
“Obviously, those are great players,” Norvell said. “But, as one steps out, an opportunity and a door opens for the next. We still have some great players that are returning guys that have been so very impactful.
“When you look at our offense right now it starts up front for us and you look at guys like Darius Washington, Maurice Smith, Jeremiah Byers, Rob Scott — guys that have so much experience that are coming back. When you can start up front, it opens up so many doors for everything else.”
Norvell didn’t stop there. The 42-year-old head coach also raved about the skill positions in his offense.
“Lawrance Toafili was the [ACC] Championship game MVP — his leadership, what he brings. The receiver position is one that I think we have great talent but that is one of the things we’re gonna get to be able to watch as we go into this next year.
“I really like our running back room. Tight end Kyle Morlock [is also a] returning starter from last year’s team. I like the dynamic that we have on that side of the ball. Now, it’s about who’s going to show up in the moment and be that consistent playmaker, because I believe we have the talent there.”
Of course it will be on DJ Uiagalelei to make sure that all of the pieces come together well to help the Seminoles be the best team they can be.