Clemson football: How DJ Uiagalelei meets expectations in 2021

Clemson football fans have expectations absolutely through-the-roof for sophomore QB D.J. Uiagalelei as he takes over as the next face of the program.

Uiagalelei sat behind Trevor Lawrence for a year this past season and spent time perfecting his craft and learning from the projected No. 1 overall pick. Now, it’s his turn.

In two starts last season, Uiagalelei threw for nearly 800 yards and accounted for six touchdowns. He looked good and did an excellent job activating the offense through the air. Now, Tiger fans are expecting even more to come from him.

CBS Sports’ Chip Patterson recently published an article talking about expectations for Uiagalelei and gave three areas where he can live up to the hype.

Here’s what Patterson said Uiagalelei would have to do to reach those expectations:

1. Take ownership of the offense
2. Take the next steps in physical maturity
3. Helping teammates fill the void at skill positions

How D.J. Uiagalelei can meet expectations during the 2021 Clemson football season

There’s no doubt that Uiagalelei is going to have to take ownership of the offense and be a more outspoken leader for the Tigers to have the most success possible.

Dabo Swinney spoke about his leadership style and how the Tiger coaching staff was pushing him to step up and become more vocal.

Uiagalelei also said numerous times during the spring that he is working on that aspect and is trying his best to be a leader for his teammates in both words and actions.

"“I am trying to be a little more vocal this year,” Uiagalelei said prior to the start of spring practice. “But I want to try to lead by example. Let my play do the talking. I want to be the most accountable guy on the team. I feel like as long as you lead by example, people will follow.”"

As Patterson says, Uiagalelei does need to take the next steps forward physically, as well.

The Tigers want him to lose a little bit of weight and to gain speed over the summer. Will he be able to do that? Uiagalelei is an absolute tank and the offense is going to be different with him at the quarterback spot versus what we’ve seen in the past with Trevor Lawrence and even in past years with Kelly Bryant and Deshaun Watson.

Uiagalelei has to continue to get better and when he does that, he’ll make the teammates around him better as a result.

There’s no doubting that expectations are high for Uiagalelei, but there’s also a reason. He is the most talented quarterback in the nation and he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with this season for Clemson football.