What Can Seminole Fans Expect From FSU Football's Addition Of DJ Uiagalelei?

Florida State is bringing in an experienced quarterback who is incredibly gifted for the 2024 season.

On Monday, former Clemson and Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei announced that he would be transferring to Florida State for his final year of eligibility. After spending three years with the Tigers, Uiagalelei guided the Beavers to an 8-4 record with key wins over Utah and UCLA.

Standing at an impressive 6’4” and 250 pounds, the California native was a five-star recruit coming out of high school (St. John Bosco, Bellflower, CA) and a four-star transfer prospect.

Uiagalelei is certainly a threat in the run game as he is willing to lower the shoulder and has the frame to withstand big hits. While he might not have track speed, DJU certainly has shown his agility on designed runs. Through the air, the arm strength is apparent. However, overthrows and miscommunication with receivers have been costly throughout his career. But when given enough time, Uiagalelei can make all the throws.

LSU Football Player Takes Shot at Jordan Travis, FSU Football

As a true freshman with the Tigers, DJU came in relief for Trevor Lawrence and defied expectations, going 30-41 for 342 yards and two touchdowns against Boston College. He followed that up with a performance of 29-44 for 439 yards and two touchdowns against Notre Dame in South Bend.

Despite the physical attributes and the promising start, the former Clemson and Oregon State quarterback has struggled at times to hit open targets and keep interceptions at a minimum. In 2021, DJU was 208-374 (55.6%) and threw more picks than touchdowns (9 TDs, 10 INTs).

He showed improvement in 2022, bettering his completion percentage (61.9%) as well as his TD/INT ratio (22/7). However, he was passed on by head coach Dabo Swinney and the Clemson faithful for then-freshman Cade Klubnik.

This past season, Uiagalelei was welcomed to Oregon State by head coach Jonathan Smith. There he found himself as the field general behind an offensive line that was named a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award (most outstanding offensive line in college football) in 2023. He went 180-315 (57.1%) and had 21 TDs to 7 INTs.

That being said, the key to DJU’s success could be connected to the retention of important offensive line pieces such as Darius Washington, Robert Scott, and Maurice Smith – all seasoned Seminoles.

In 2022, Uiagalelei traveled to Tallahassee and avoided the upset against the Seminoles as he went 15-23 for 203 yards and three touchdowns. FSU fans are quite familiar with his game.

Florida State fans should look for a much different style of quarterbacking in the fall. While DJU might not be able to escape the blitz with grace as Jordan Travis did for years, he’ll be able to put his head down on 3rd and short, take a hit, get a first down, and rub some dirt on it as he gets back up. Additionally, when given time in the pocket, he can be deadly to opposing defenses.

The FSU faithful will be even more familiar with his style of play come late August when the ’Noles take on Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland to open the season.

---

READ MORE: NFL Legend Terrell Owens Trashes FSU Football After Blowout Loss In Orange Bowl

Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the offseason.

Follow NoleGameday on Twitter and Facebook