D.J. Uiagalelei is the new face of the Clemson football program and it’s clear that Tiger fans are excited to see what he will be able to do during his time in a Clemson uniform.
In two starts last season while filling in for Trevor Lawrence, Uiagalelei threw for nearly 800 yards and accounted for six touchdowns. He was poised and really activated the passing game in a way that has Clemson football fans believing this 2021 offense could be more explosive than in previous years.
A big arm, a tank for a body and pinpoint accuracy are all skills that Uiagalelei possess. As a result, he is already considered one of the favorites to win the 2021 Heisman Trophy.
The updated Heisman odds for DJ Uiagalelei as he exits 2021 Clemson football spring camp
247 Sports published the updated preseason Heisman odds as we exit the spring and head towards the summer.
Here’s a look at the leaderboard:
- QB Spencer Rattler (Oklahoma) +500
- QB Bryce Young (Alabama) +600
- QB DJ Uiagalelei (Clemson) +700
- QB JT Daniels (Georgia) +1000
- QB Sam Howell (North Carolina) +1000
- QB D’Eriq King (Miami) +1400
- QB Kedon Slovis (USC) +2000
Do we see a theme here?
We don’t have a single running back, wide receiver or defender on the leader’s list as we head into the preseason and that shouldn’t be surprising. The first non-QB to make the list is Texas RB Bijan Robinson, who sits with +2500 odds.
As we look at the list, it’s pretty interesting that Young is listed ahead of Uiagalelei. The two were both freshmen last season, but Uiagalelei got more playing time and looked more impressive in his outings.
That being said, you can’t underestimate the ‘Clemson football factor’ when it comes to the Heisman Trophy in that Uiagalelei won’t play in many fourth quarters throughout the season simply because the Tigers will look to build depth and play those guys who are sitting behind him.
In the end, there isn’t a clear leader in the clubhouse and these odds show that.
Spencer Rattler is considered the leader for obvious reasons, but he is only listed at +500 odds, which are only slightly better than Young and Uiagalelei as we head into the summer.