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Clemson Football: The best comparisons for DJ Uiagalelei

By Andrew Boardwine

CLEMSON, SC - OCTOBER 20: Defensive end Clelin Ferrell #99 and head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers embrace at midfield while surrounded by fans singing the Clemson Alma Mater during the football game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SC - OCTOBER 20: Defensive end Clelin Ferrell #99 and head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers embrace at midfield while surrounded by fans singing the Clemson Alma Mater during the football game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /
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Clemson football picked up a major commitment from 5-star QB DJ Uiagalelei this past weekend. What is the best comparison for the talented athlete?

5-star QB DJ Uiagalelei announced his commitment to Clemson football this past weekend.

Uiagalelei is the 14th commitment in the 2020 Clemson football recruiting class and the four 5-star, according to 247 Sports’ Composite rankings. He joins the likes of Fred Davis, Demarkcus Bowman and Bryan Bresee, who are all composite 5-stars.

Uiagalelei has been considered the top high school quarterback prospect in the country since Trevor Lawrence. Even last season as a junior, he was considered the best QB prospect in America.

Today, we’ll take a look at a few comparisons for Uiagalelei.

Best Comparisons:

What are the best comparisons for DJ Uiagalelei? The truth is that he is a player a bit different than what we’ve seen from one quarterback in history.

Two of the best quarterback comparisons I’ve seen for Uiagalelei are Ben Roethlisberger and Daunte Culpepper, though neither one of these completely fit the bill of what the 5-star is truly capable of developing into.

I think he projects a bit like a Daunte Culpepper with stunning athleticism for his impressive size. Though Culpepper had a big arm, I’m not sure that his compares to what Uiagalelei has the capability of having when it’s all said and done. Uiagalelei can throw the ball legitimately 80-plus yards.

His arm is comparable to Big Ben Roethlisberger as far as strength is concerned, but I’d still say that Uiagalelei is more mobile than Big Ben. Roethlisberger is also an inch or two taller than Uiagalelei, which makes the comparison a bit tough to make.

Taking it closer to home, I think Uiagalelei has some of the aspects of Clemson’s last three quarterbacks. He has athleticism, not necessarily on the same level as Deshaun Watson, but is certainly deceptively quick and able to take off running at any time. He has arm strength potentially greater than Trevor Lawrence. He has a body built like a tank similar to a taller Tajh Boyd.

Next. How do you pronounce 'DJ Uiagalelei?'. dark

All of those aspects make him a special prospect. Uiagalelei is going to be a top-three pick in a future NFL Draft and has the potential and capability to come in and become the next great quarterback for Clemson football.

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