2021 Clemson football schedule sets up great chance for D.J. Uiagalelei
The 2021 Clemson football schedule was released last week and seeing the matchups just reiterates something we’ve all begun to think about: The chances for the Tigers’ new quarterback, D.J. Uiagalelei, to win the Heisman Trophy.
Now, you might be of the opinion that the Heisman Trophy doesn’t matter. We all know that Clemson football has been hurt by Heisman voters in the past with both Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence.
So, why would D.J. Uiagalelei be any different? Many will note that Uiagalelei might be hurt by the 2021 schedule because he’ll be sitting out of a bunch of fourth quarters. He obviously won’t be able to put up the stats needed to win the award, right?
Here’s why it might actually be the opposite effect this time around for the Clemson football quarterback
We’ve all talked about changes we’d like to see the Clemson offense make this offseason and something tells me we’re going to see some differences in what the offense looks like next season.
There’s not a Travis Etienne on this roster. Instead, the Tigers’ most proven and biggest offensive attack is going to be through the air. And they’ve got a monster to rely upon.
When you look at what Uiagalelei did in his two starts back in 2020, you can see what he is capable of achieving. He threw for nearly 800 yards and accounted for six touchdowns to no interceptions.
The way Uiagalelei throws the ball just opens up the offense. He connects on the deep ball and has more touch on that throw than any of the past QBs we’ve seen start with the Tigers, Lawrence and Watson included.
Because of his deep ball and the amount of receivers he’s going to have at his disposal, don’t be surprised at all to see Clemson’s offense look more explosive and have more ‘chunk’ plays. If that’s the case, you’re going to get the attention of nation through highlight reels and it won’t be long before Uiagalelei is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
The schedule sets up perfectly for him.
If he can come out and have a major showing against Georgia with the eyes of the nation watching, he will step into the running right away. From there on, he’ll have an opportunity to put up stats and, ultimately, he’ll have a chance to win the award.