Oregon State Transfer Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei Impressed With Florida State Visit

"There's a reason why I'm here and a reason why I like Florida State, because I think it's a great fit for me."

Florida State is wrapping up its final recruiting weekend before the Early Signing Period on December 20. With the numerous commits and pledges that made their way to Tallahassee over the weekend, one of the best quarterbacks in the NCAA Transfer Portal, DJ Uiagalelei, paid a visit. The Noles look to fill positions of need and build competition under center with Jordan Travis' departure to the NFL.

Florida State Star Running Back Declares for 2024 NFL Draft, Opts Out of Orange Bowl

Uiagalelei recapped his visit with the media on Sunday afternoon and recapped his visit and where he stands with Florida State. 

"It was great, man—everything I looked forward to. Coach Norvell is a great dude. He's a great guy. Coach Tony (Tokarz), man, quarterback coach—great guy," Uiagalelei said. "Coach Atkins, a real stand-up guy, very genuine dudes. They mean what they say. They're real transparent. They're good dudes."

It is no secret that FSU is looking to bridge the gap between the 2023 and 2024 classes with a veteran quarterback in Travis' absence. Uiagalelei said that the staff was transparent with him and answered all of the questions he had in regard to the program.

"It's been a great honor to be able to come here, Florida State. All the questions I had, they answered them how I wanted them," Uiagalelei continued. "It was good for me to see just how they get down, how they run the ship here; they did a good job."

Florida State had one of the most explosive offenses in the country in 2023 and is known for its major play-making ability. Uiagalelei said that he feels the offense is a good fit for him. 

"100% for me, man. I wouldn't come if I didn't think it was a fit. There's a reason why I'm here and a reason why I like Florida State, because I think it's a great fit for me."

Uiagelelei is coming off a 2,638-yard season with 21 passing touchdowns at Oregon State but is continuing to look for improvement. He said the FSU coaching staff could help him reach his goals. 

"My biggest thing is I want to continue to keep getting developed as a quarterback. I want to continue to keep getting developed; a lot of things I want to be able to continue to get better at and learn from," Uiagalelei said. "I feel like under coach Norvell and a lot of coaches here, it would take my game to the next level; just continue to get me developed."

As far as whether or not he will ultimately end up as a Seminole, Uiagelelei said he's taking it day by day. 

"I have no clue. I'm just taking it day by day," Uiagalelei said. "But I definitely like Florida State a lot; they did an unbelievable job. And I'm thankful for the opportunity for coach Norvell to bring me in here, and it was a great weekend."

UIgaleleiei's full interview can be seen below.

---

READ MORE: Florida State Players React to Teammates Entering NCAA Transfer Portal

Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the 2023 season.

Follow NoleGameday on Twitter and Facebook