With the 2021 season in the rear-view mirror, Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei is putting his best foot forward ahead of the fall.
After completing 55.6% of his passes for 2,246 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions last season, Uiagalelei spoke at ACC media day on Wednesday and discussed last season’s adversities and the motivation that ensued.
“It was definitely difficult just knowing the player that I am,” Uiagalelei said. “Just seeing sometimes in the game our struggles where you see different throws that you wish you could have back, different decisions that you wish you could have back. And just expectations for myself. I hold myself to a high standard.”
“For me, I didn’t want to take any days off after the season,” Uiagalelei added. “Just get straight back into working. I feel like that’s the biggest thing. Whatever you put in is whatever you’re going to get out. So for me, I want to be the hardest worker on the field. I want to be there for my teammates.”
One of the areas of improvement that Uiagalelei has emphasized over the spring and summer has been his physique, changing his eating habits, and losing 20 to 25 pounds since last fall.
Along with the weight loss, head coach Dabo Swinney said that Uiagalelei is at full strength after dealing with a knee and finger injury last season.
As the Tigers prepare for the fall, Uiagalelei seems to be striving for a more successful season in 2022.
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