How Clemson QB DJ Uiagalelei took an important step in his growth process against FSU
There was a moment in Saturday’s game against Florida State where Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott could hear quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei.
With sound coming through the headset of another coach up in the box, Elliott noticed how loud Uiagalelei was and the way the Southern California native challenged his teammates.
Elliott had a similar moment as a player 18 years ago after Clemson had been blown out by Wake Forest and a week before taking on the Seminoles. In both instances, the Tigers came out with a win over Florida State.
While Elliott said it was a rare occurrence for him to speak up, he’s hoping Uiagelelei continues on that path to being a more vocal leader of Clemson’s offense.
“I felt like in the first half, we were moving the ball. I think we had four straight scoring potential drives,” Elliott said. “DJ was in rhythm. He was managing the system, but I think the biggest thing for DJ is understanding the totality of his position and not being overwhelmed by it. Not making it bigger than what it is, not letting it affect him and just go out and play football and have fun.”
Uiagalelei said he made it a focus all last week to be more vocal with his teammates, doing his best to get the team going in any way he could. The sophomore admits it doesn’t come naturally to him, though he has worked on it all season. He’s still being true to himself while expanding on his role as Clemson’s quarterback.
“I think it’s just whenever you feel like you need to speak, you feel like you need to say something, you just go ahead and say it — not holding back,” he said.
Uiagalelei speaking up more last week wasn’t lost on his teammates, either. Freshman running back Will Shipley made mention of it following the game on Saturday night.
“All throughout this week, he really has taken that role,” Shipley said. “He’s done a great job with being vocal, keeping everybody’s energy up. To hear from a guy like D.J., I think he’s just starting to grasp how much that really means to a football team, to an offense, to have that leadership from the quarterback. He’s doing a great job.”
Even after Uiagalelei lost the football — and Seminoles defensive lineman Jermaine Johnson recorded a strip sack, fumble and score — there was a more intense look in the QB’s eyes and a demeanor Elliott said was reminiscent of Deshaun Watson’s playing days.
“It starts with the quarterback and those guys believing that they were going to go find a way to go win this game and score a touchdown,” Elliott said.
It took about five minutes, but the Tigers responded with Shipley’s 21-yard rushing touchdown, which provided the game’s final lead change and put the Tigers up 24-20.
While Uiagalelei said there wasn’t a turning point for him in regards to him being more of a vocal presence against FSU, Elliott pointed out a heart-to-heart the signal caller had with head coach Dabo Swinney after the game against Pitt on Oct. 23. Uiagalelei didn’t hear the Panthers’ fans but was told they were chanting something to the effect of “D.J. sucks.”
Swinney used that moment as the two walked off the field to encourage his young quarterback and let him know that all he has to do is keep his head up and everything will work out.
“Sometimes those things can be motivation for you, but then also, too, create some self-awareness and understanding of the responsibility that you have, the position that you’re in — and your duty is to respond,” Elliott said. “What I know of D.J., he’s going to respond the right way and that’s all he’s done this season since he’s been going through the things he’s had to deal with.”
Uiagalelei finished with 189 yards, an interception and a touchdown on 19-for-31 passing against the Seminoles, a week after going 12-for-25 with two interceptions for 128 yards against Pitt. The legacy of Clemson quarterbacks is well-documented, but each one had their own identity and way of leading. Uiagalelei is still finding his.
“Now, unfortunately, it’s taken some adversity and probably some things that are uncomfortable to him, but now he’s finding his own identity and he’s battling,” Elliott said. “He’s not going to cave to the pressure. He’s going to rise to the occasion and go lead, so that’s why you’ve seen him play better.”
Next Clemson game
Who: Clemson (5-3, 4-2 ACC) vs. Louisville (4-4, 2-3)
Where: Cardinal Stadium, Louisville, Ky.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
TV: ACC Network
Line: Clemson by 4
This story was originally published November 2, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
