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One Truly Terrible Throw From Clemson’s Spring Game Leaves Major Concerns About D.J. Uiagalelei

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Awful Throw From DJ Uiagaleli At Clemson Spring Game Is Concerning

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  • Clemson football needs D.J. Uiagalelei to improve this fall if it wants to find success.
  • One throw from this past weekend does not give much hope to either of those things happening.
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Clemson football was ranked as high as No. 2 in the 2021 college football preseason rankings but finished 10-3 and missed out on the College Football Playoff for the first time in six years. At the forefront of the somewhat disappointing year for the Tigers was quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei.

Uiagalelei, a five-star recruit out of high school, stands about 6-foot-5, 250 pounds and is the perfect size for a quarterback. Especially considering that he can use his feet and has decent speed.

As a result, Uiagalelei began 2021 as a Heisman Trophy candidate and Clemson was considered a lock to return to the national championship. That is not what happened.

In the end, Uiagalelei threw more interceptions than touchdowns and the Tigers lost three games. While most teams would sign the dotted line for a 10-3 season prior to Week 1, that is not what is expected at Clemson.

While Uiagalelei was not the only issue for Dabo Swinney’s team, his play was not what it was expected to be. As a result, there are concerns about his ability to develop.

Uiagalelei lost an astonishing amount of weight during the offseason and Swinney has had mostly positive things to say about his junior quarterback. As things currently stand, he is going to be the starter this fall.

However, one particular throw from D.J. Uiagalelei during Clemson’s spring game last weekend stands out as worrisome.

During the Tigers’ spring game, Uiagalelei went 17-of-36 for 175 yards and an interception. Those are not the numbers that you are looking for but he showed some minor improvements— particularly in his ability to get out of the pocket and make something happen.

But the one truly terrible throw out-shines those positive moments. It was bad.

Uiagalelei’s throwing motion and mechanics are not where you want them to be if you are Swinney and his staff. There are still a few months to get things straightened out, but that one abysmal throw is very, very concerning.