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WATCH: Dabo Swinney passionately defends, backs DJ Uiagalelei

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz07/20/22NickSchultz_7
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(Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei had a rough go in 2021 as he took over for Trevor Lawrence as the Tigers starter. As he gets ready for his junior season in 2022, his head coach unleashed a passionate defense of his quarterback during an interview.

Dabo Swinney joined SiriusXM during ACC Media Days and shared why he has so much confidence in Uiagalelei — and spoke candidly while doing so.

“My quarterback, this dude’s a freak,” Swinney said. “And people talk about him like he’s some slapdick from Eastaboga Community College and this guy can play the game at the highest level. He’s going to play the game at the highest level. And he wasn’t great last year. He was awesome as a freshman. He was awesome his whole career in high school. He’s a winner. He’s got all the tools, all the intangibles. But he is better because of what he went through.

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“He’s had a lot of challenges and then, all of a sudden, we’ve got three different centers, we’ve got six OL, one’s a true freshman, a true freshman running back, all of our receivers are out. Now, he tries to do too much. He loses his confidence. The first time in his life he’s had to deal with some criticism. This guy ain’t never been criticized. He’s been the GOAT his [whole] life. Now, all of a sudden, he’s got MilkBone underwear on and they’re chomping at him everywhere he goes.”

In 2021, Uiagalelei completed 55.6% of his passes for 2,246 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions as sophomore. The Tigers finished 10-3 overall and 6-2 in ACC play, but Swinney sounds more than confident Uiagalelei will have a bigger year in 2022 once the season gets rolling.

Clemson opens the year with a Monday night showdown against Georgia Tech on Sept. 5 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.