Clemson Football: D.J. Uiagalelei has to be ready from the beginning

Clemson football freshman QB D.J. Uiagalelei won’t necessarily have the benefit of easing into the system as we head into the 2020 season.

The Clemson football program has one of the best quarterbacks in its history on the roster currently in Trevor Lawrence.

Lawrence, who still has two years of eligibility remaining, has already led Clemson football to two National Championship appearances, one National Title and two ACC Championships. He has also only lost one game as a starter in his career.

Though Lawrence is set to be the starter at quarterback during this season, the truth is that the Tigers can’t afford to not have D.J. Uiagalelei- the phenomenal 5-star freshman- ready to go from the start.

Why? Because of the ever-changing landscape of College Football.

This 2020 Clemson football season is going to be different than anything we’ve ever seen before. Analysts have predicted that we could see a whole plethora of different options for the season. Capacity limits, starting the season later in the year- potentially even not beginning until 2021, no fans in the stands, shortening the season, and a plethora of other scenarios have all been discussed.

One thing is for sure, though: NCAA President Mark Emmert has made it clear that testing will be the key to getting players back on the field.

Players are going to be tested throughout the season and there is going to have to be a plan in place in case someone inevitably tests positive.

Because of that, football teams will have to have depth developed like never before.

In addition to potentially needing Uiagalelei in a situation like the one described above, there is also a chance that we could see the freshman competing for the starting job if the season was postponed far enough.

If we don’t see the start of College Football season until December or January, there is certainly a chance that Trevor Lawrence- along with many other talented players across the country- could choose to sit out in favor of entering the NFL Draft. You couldn’t really blame them if they did, just because of the closeness of the season and the draft at that point.

Because of that Uiagalelei could be thrown into action as a freshman, assuming he beats out Taisun Phommachanh.

Either way you look at it- even if the season goes completely as planned- the Tigers need to have Uiagalelei ready. He provides great depth at the quarterback position and has too much talent to not be utilized as much as possible.