How Uiagalelei’s relationship with Streeter helps with Clemson coordinator transition
Brandon Streeter becoming Clemson’s offensive coordinator couldn’t have worked out any better for Tigers quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei.
The two met a few years ago when Streeter recruited Uiagalelei at St. John Bosco High School in Southern California. They have worked together the past two years with Streeter serving as Clemson’s quarterbacks coach. Because of the established relationship, Uiagalelei didn’t need convincing: He was all the way on board with Streeter’s added job title of offensive coordinator.
In the weeks since the announcement came, Uiagalelei said, not a whole lot has changed. The confidence and comfort are already there, which has made for an even easier transition.
“I’m with him every day. I’m in meetings with him every day,” Uiagalelei said. “I know his thought process and he knows my thought process of the different plays we want to call. So, I think from a comfortability level, that’s the biggest thing with me is that I have a great relationship with him.”
Streeter is more comfortable in this role as the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator because it’s a coaching structure that comes more naturally to him. He handled both duties when he was with the University of Richmond and Liberty University for a combined six years (2009-14) before returning to Clemson. Between 2012 and 2014, the former Tigers quarterback led Richmond to a top 20 finish in total offense. The Spiders set new individual game, season and career school passing records during the 2013 campaign.
Because of his own background, Streeter admitted there was some skepticism about Tony Elliott and Jeff Scott serving as co-offensive coordinators when he returned to Clemson in 2014. Elliott coached running backs and Scott was the wide receivers coach.
It didn’t take long, however, for Streeter to buy in and learn from the other two, which helped him prepare for his time now as the Tigers’ offensive coordinator.
“Like we all know, Tony and Jeff did an unbelievable job managing that. They gave me a voice, too, which helped,” Streeter said. “They managed it so well, but I am excited about, hey, I know exactly what the quarterback knows and understands and what he’s most confident with. I’m excited about working with him, with the quarterbacks and developing that game plan and developing what makes them so confident and be able to feel that whenever I’m in the game.”
Streeter having that direct line of communication already established with Uiagalelei will be beneficial as the QB continues to make incremental improvements. Despite some struggles this year, the Tigers ended the final stretch on a more positive note. Uiagalelei, who also injured his PCL against Louisville on Nov. 6, had at least 200 passing yards in three of the final four games.
Having the past month off between games can only help with Uiagalelei’s progress and with Streeter getting back to calling plays as an offensive coordinator.
“I’m really excited that coach Streeter’s the new offensive coordinator, excited to get going with him in this game,” Uiagalelei said of the upcoming Cheez-It Bowl against Iowa State. “I know coach Streeter’s going to do an amazing job.”
Quarterbacks update
Streeter’s promotion hasn’t been the only change for the offense. The Tigers lost wide receiver Frank Ladson and backup quarterback Taisun Phommachanh, both of whom opted to transfer a week after the regular season ended. Neither has landed at a new school yet.
Streeter said because of “day and age with that transfer portal,” Phommachanh’s departure isn’t a surprise. At the same time, he’s excited for the Connecticut native to get a new start somewhere else while also recognizing the backups Clemson has left in redshirt freshman Hunter Helms and true freshman Billy Wiles. Helms played against S.C. State and UConn, while Wiles had a touchdown pass against the Huskies.
Both will be key to have, especially considering Uiagalelei’s health. While he said he’ll be ready to go and feels “perfectly fine,” Uiagalelei ended the year with injuries that caused him to have to wear a brace on his right knee and a splint on his right index finger.
“That’s the biggest thing is knowing that you have guys behind DJ that can manage it and understand the big picture,” Streeter said. “That’s what they’ve been able to do. Just really excited about those two young guys.”
2021 CHEEZ-IT BOWL
Who: Clemson (9-3) vs. Iowa State (7-5)
Where: Camping World Stadium, Orlando
When: 5:45 p.m. Wednesday
TV: ESPN
Line: Clemson by 1 1/2
