Breaking down how Florida State plans to use DJ Uiagalelei

Jordan Travis was the staple of the Mike Norvell era, being Florida State‘s starter for four seasons. So when he ran out of eligibility, Mike Norvell decided to dip into the NCAA transfer portal for the next guy. Former Clemson and Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei wound up being the selection, reuniting him with the ACC.

Jeff Cameron of On3’s Warchant broke down how Florida State plans to use Uiagalelei this season. Norvell is hoping for explosive plays down the field with the arm strength of Uiagalelei. Having receivers like Malik Benson and Jalen Brown — both transfer portal acquisitions — brings speed to the receiver room to run under deep balls.

“They brought in a bunch of speed to try to utilize his arm strength,” Cameron said during Wednesday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “He excels in getting the ball down the field. So, you’re not going to want to get away from that. They can protect the quarterback, let plays develop, and get down the field. They’re going to do that.”

The confidence in the offensive line is there in pass protection but more when attempting to get downhill and running the ball. Travis was the key figure for the Seminoles last season, connecting with Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson. Even with Uiagalelei now under center, Cameron argues a new identity is coming to Florida State.

“But I think they’re going to do it off play action and try to run the ball,” Cameron said. “I think this year’s team, unlike last year’s team, is going to try to run the ball… If you look at the offensive line, there are some guys that have been playing here since 2019 on this offensive line, it’s crazy. They’ve got guys up front and they feel good about how deep the running back room is.”

Uiagalelei has the capability of taking off and running too. Not like Travis, who rushed for 176 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023. Short-yardage situations are more likely when Florida State can bring big personnel onto the field.

“That includes DJU,” Staples said. “I think they’re going to run him too. It sounds weird to say but this is a guy who was effective with his legs when he does run. Obviously, it wasn’t the same when Jordan Travis ran… He’s a guy that I think can excel in short yardage.”

Over 1,000 rushing yards are on Uiagalelei’s resume, with most being at Clemson. Twenty-one touchdowns are not too shabby either. Norvell will have that ready to pull out of his back pocket when necessary.