Explaining why DJ Uiagalelei is an intriguing option as FSU's QB1 in 2024
After proving himself with numerous other programs, quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei is back in the ACC with the Florida State Seminoles.
He had a number of different options, as entering the 2024 NFL Draft was one of them, and there were several suitors for his services in the portal. But he instead decided to go back to the ACC and join the Seminoles, and that’s intriguing to On3’s Jesse Simonton.
“I’m going to start with somebody that you just recently sat down with, and that’s DJU. I don’t know if it’s so much excitement, as it’s just intrigue,” Simonton said, during some time with On3’s Andy Staples on The Andy Staples Show. “What is it going to be like, you know, with his return to the ACC? How is he going to fit in that Mike Norvell offense? You know, part of the narrative and storyline around DJ has been his ready-sense. You talk about Joe Milton, and his ability to lean into that physical run game, to be involved in that, to be willing to take some of those shots. Being a willing runner. That was not his game really at Oregon State this season. He really backed off of that. That has been a principle of the Mike Norvell offense. That was one of the elements that made Jordan Travis so successful. So do they lean into that? Is DJ more willing to be a runner? I don’t know.
“So I’m fascinated to see how it plays out. The Seminoles are certainly trying to reload, after their awesome 2023 season. He’ll be surrounded by a lot of good players again, facing off against Clemson. … That’s one that I think in particular, I’m really curious to see how it’s all going to unfold.”
Regardless, it’s evident Uiagalelei isn’t concerned about how Norvell will use him, as he explained earlier last week that it’s the reason why he’s in Tallahassee for another season of college football.
“I think Coach Norvell,” the quarterback said, regarding why he chose the Seminoles. “I think what he stands for as a man. What he stands for as a person. Also as a coach. I think the testimony of what he’s done. Being able to develop quarterbacks and be able the way he’s transformed Florida State back to where everyone knows what Florida State’s always been.
“That powerhouse program. Program with incredible athletes, incredible coaching staff. And a rich tradition of winning and a rich tradition of a great fan base. So, for me, that was the main thing.”
Alas, time will tell whether or not D.J. Uiagalelei will have success in 2024, but he has all the tools, so it’ll be fascinating to see if he can put them all together.