The Clemson Tiger appeared to have a quarterback controversy on their hands to start the season.
While head coach Dabo Swinney was adamant that he’d be running it back with 2021 starter, DJ Uiagalelei, fans were calling for five star recruit Cade Klubnik after a so-so performance by Uiagalelei against Georgia Tech in week 1.
But after that game, Uiagalelei has shined, and his skills were on full display in a thrilling 51-45 OT win over Wake Forest last Saturday. In that game, the Clemson QB completed 26 of 41 passes for 371 yards and five touchdowns. He also ran 14 times for 52 yards during the offensive explosion.
“After four games, if you don’t recognize this kid’s special ability, then you’re blind,” Swinney said of Uiagalelei to ESPN . “You just want something else to write about. Hopefully, everybody can tear up all those articles you’ve written, or take some ownership for them at this point.”
Given his recent surge, Uiagalelei has seen a rise in his Heisman odds, as well.
DJ Uiagalelei Heisman Trophy Odds
Per DraftKings, Uiagalelei is now +4000 to win the Heisman Trophy, and Clemson is +145 to make the College Football Playoff this season.
Through all the hate and criticism Uiagalelei received over the past couple of seasons, he never lost faith in his own abilities, and finally he’s starting to reach the potential we heard about when he served as Trevor Lawrence’s backup as a freshman.
“That’s life, man. Everybody has problems,” Uiagalelei said. “But I never questioned God’s plan. God led me through a time that, it wasn’t the best, but he led me out to the other side. I feel like God did that for a reason to make me a better person, a stronger person.”
Unfortunately for the waves of critics and fans predicting Klubnik to take over as the Clemson starter at some point this season, Uiagalelei is now the clear starter for a Clemson offense that’s starting to click a bit.
“There were a lot of people out there pulling for him to fail, to be honest,” Swinney said. “I felt like people were attacking the player and not the play, and that’s really sad.”
Clemson currently stands as the fifth team in the nation, and they’ll host 10th ranked NC State under the lights on Saturday night, where all eyes will once again be on the Tigers’ dynamic quarterback.
