Clemson QB DJ Uiagalelei says he didn't want to take any days off after disappointing 2021 season
Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei indicated that he has honed in on his work ethic after a disappointing 2021 campaign with the Tigers.
Clemson dropped 3 games last season, the most since 2014. Uiagalelei was at least partially responsible for those struggles, as he posted an ACC-worst passer efficiency rating of 108.65.
But ever since the end of the 2021 season — which ended with a bowl game victory over Iowa State — Uiagalelei said he never wanted to stop working.
“I didn’t want to take any days off after the season, just get straight back into working,” Uiagalelei said at the ACC Kickoff on Wednesday. “I feel like that’s the biggest thing … Whatever you put in, is whatever you’ll get out. So for me, I want to be the hardest worker on the field and I want to be there for my teammates and just put in the work, man. I feel like as long as you’re putting out work, you’re going to get whatever you put out.”
"I didn't want to take any days off after the season. … Whatever you put in, is whatever you'll get out."
— @DJUiagalelei on how he's staying focused ahead of @ClemsonFB's season pic.twitter.com/lcl8z66UTB
— ACC Network (@accnetwork) July 20, 2022
That should be great news for Clemson fans who are hoping for a breakout year from the former 5-star prospect. And his words have been backed up by his coaching staff in recent days.
According to Clemson offensive coordinator Brandon Streeter, Uiagalelei is down 30-35 pounds since last season.
#Clemson OC Streeter: DJ Uiagalelei has lost 30-35 lbs and he's in a great place mentally … He had a really good spring. It helps to have guys coming into program to push him
— SportsTalk Media Network (@sportstalksc) July 19, 2022
If that breakout doesn’t happen for Uiagalelei this season, Clemson does have the option of turning to 5-star freshman quarterback Cade Klubnik. However, Uiagalelei is widely expected to begin the year as Clemson’s starter.
Clemson opens the 2022 season with Georgia Tech on Sept. 5.