Mike Norvell breaks down why DJ Uiagalelei was the right fit for Florida State

Florida State had their pick of several quarterbacks who entered the transfer portal. The Seminoles settled on DJ Uiagalelei, the former Clemson Tiger and Oregon State Beaver, though, and Mike Norvell couldn’t be any more pleased with their choice.

Norvell explained Uiagalelei’s fit as part of their program during an appearance on ‘The Hard Count’ with On3’s J.D. PicKell on Tuesday. He started by noting the clear skill that he certainly has as a player at the position.

“I think you see the ability,” said Norvell. “He has got a tremendous arm. He has got great size.”

However, most of Norvell’s praise came in regards to who Uiagalelei is as a person rather than a quarterback. He is someone who he already holds in high regard considering all that he has shown in his short time with those in Tallahassee.

“Truly? It comes down to who he is. It’s the person, it’s the mindset. The approach that he brings. He’s a remarkable human being,” said Norvell. “He has got great leadership qualities. He’s somebody that loves to work. To be able to come in understanding the expectation that we have within our program, not just on the field but really from an all-inclusive approach? Just the heart that he has and the passion and desire that he brings on a day-in, day-out basis to go get better. I think you’ve seen that through his experiences.”

It’s those experiences while at his two previous stops in college that Norvell thinks has made him into that person. He has succeeded at points but also had to overcome some adversity and criticism. Now, after four seasons at the collegiate level, he enters his fifth as a completely different version of himself, which is someone that Norvell wants him to be every day that he steps into their building.

“He has had some really great moments. He has had some challenges that he has had to overcome. I think those challenges have helped kind of build him to the young man that he is today,” said Norvell. “I’d watched a lot of him from his time at Clemson when he was in the league. Even this last year when he was at Oregon State. All that he has done? Like I said, the good and some of the challenges he has faced? It has built him to where he is now.

“I’m so excited about these next steps. Just being able to come into this program, be able to be around the guys that we have that are surrounding him. I told him to just come in and be himself,” Norvell said. “Just show up every day pushing to improve, pushing to get better in the things that he’s doing. Just overall understanding the rhythm, the timing, the understanding of an offense. I think the rest is going to take care of itself.”

Uiagalelei has thrown for just over 8,300 yards to go with 57 touchdowns and 24 interceptions during his career. He has also rushed for over 1,100 more on the ground with 21 more scores with his legs. Those have helped him post a record of 30-10 overall over his time as a starter.

Of all the options for Florida State, the Seminoles went with Uiagalelei to be their QB1 in 2024. It’s all that Norvell wants too considering how he believes it’ll work out for both sides come this fall.

“I think this is a great opportunity for him and it’s a great opportunity for Florida State to take those next steps together,” said Norvell. “He’s definitely a special young man.”