One of the most discussed topics in college football as we head towards the 2022 season is Clemson’s quarterback room and how they will produce for the playoff-hopeful team.
With an on-paper look at Clemson’s quarterback room, some might be confused by the concern surrounding them and their outlook on the field. Having the 2020 class’ No.2 ranked quarterback in DJ Uiagalelei and the 2022 class’ No.1 ranked quarterback in Cade Klubnik, according to 247sports, on the roster, this group should be the last thing Tigers fans have to worry about.
Unfortunately, this hasn’t been the case. After a severely underwhelming sophomore season for Uiagalelei and the uncertainty on the readiness of Klubnik to be the guy, Clemson heads into the season with a championship-caliber defense but an offense with genuine concerns.
So, how do Uiagalelei and Klubnik stack up against the rest of the field of potential starting quarterbacks?
According to Athlon Sports 2022 starting QB rankings, Clemson’s quarterbacks fall towards the middle of the pack of the 131 teams being evaluated.
Here’s where Steven Lassan of Athlon Sports ranked Uiagalelei and Klubnik and what he had to say about the two:
59. DJ Uiagalelei/Cade Klubnik, Clemson
Uiagalelei is arguably the biggest wild card at quarterback in college football this season. As a true freshman in 2020, he showcased why recruiting services ranked him as a five-star prospect coming out of high school. The California native started two games with Trevor Lawrence out, throwing for 342 yards and two touchdowns against Boston College and 439 yards and two scores on the road in South Bend against Notre Dame. However, his strong stint in ’20 didn’t carry over once he assumed the full-time role last fall. Uiagalelei started all 13 games for the Tigers and only threw for 2,246 yards and nine touchdowns to 10 picks. Also, his yards per attempt (6.0), quarterback rating (108.65), and completion percentage (55.6) all ranked near the bottom of the ACC. Uiagalelei did not eclipse more than 241 passing yards in a single contest and also had five games in which he completed less than half of his passes. However, while Uiagalelei struggled, not all of the problems from Clemson’s offense fall on his right arm. The Tigers need better play up front and have to get more production and big plays from the receiving corps. Uiagalelei is talented, so a bounce-back season is certainly within reach. And if his level of play is closer to the ’20 version, Clemson should return to the CFB Playoff.
It’s not that the two of them can’t get the job done; it’s will they get the job done. Clemson fans and the rest of the college football landscape are eager to find out.
[mm-video type=video id=01ga5vk9s36scb9f7cmp playlist_id=01fvdd1xkgcx6zr5s5 player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01ga5vk9s36scb9f7cmp/01ga5vk9s36scb9f7cmp-931a7a8a4affb01190ee7ec2aac1ce6b.jpg]
[listicle id=3624]