Mike Norvell on D.J. Uiagalelei 'I love coaching the young man'

Going into the 2024 offseason, Florida State head coach Mike Norvell looked to the Transfer Portal to find a plan for the quarterback position moving forward. The end result was bringing in D.J. Uiagalelei from the portal.

Now, with spring practice in the rearview mirror, Norvell has praised Uiagalelei and emphasized how much he has enjoyed coaching him.

“I love coaching the young man,” Mike Norvell said. “The talent, the ability, the playmaking skills that he has, the willingness to learn and work. What he’s pouring into his teammates. As you watch as we get into the scrimmage-type situations, going through the different situational calls and things that we’re asking him to do, I think he really embraces that. He’s had a very good spring.”

D.J. Uiagalelei is on his third team in college. He previously played for Clemson and Oregon State. Out of high school, he was a five-star recruit and the 12th-ranked player overall in the Class of 2020, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. For his career, Uiagalelei has completed 59.1 percent of passes for 8,319 yards and 57 touchdowns. He’s also rushed for 1,132 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Now, Mike Norvell is turning to D.J. Uiagalelei to take over for Jordan Travis, who helped lead the team back to prominence and an unbeaten season in 2023 before his injury.

“As we go each day, there are certain things that we’re trying to almost force, some challenging looks and challenging situations, because even on some of the bad plays that show up, I mean it’s just the just the growth and the opportunity for him to get better, and how he’s responding to situations is remarkable,” Norvell said.

“So, really excited about where he’s going, and just what’s there in front of him. So, it’s just the continued reps, the continued study, but he’s taken some great strides here throughout the course of spring.”

D.J. Uiagalelei shared his goal at Florida State

Now a fifth-year player, D.J. Uiagalelei shared what his goal at Florida State is going to be to win a national championship.

“I understand the expectation when you’re a quarterback here at Florida State and as a player. But of course like you said, the expectation is high. That’s what you want. You want to be able to be able to be able to play at a place where the expectations are high and it’s ACC championship, national championship or bust. That’s the expectation Coach Norvell has and that’s the expectation that the team has and including a fan base,” Uiagalelei said.

“So for me, man, it’s an opportunity. It’s a blessing to be able to go out there and it’s a challenge you know, each and every day. You got to put your best foot forward so at the end of the season you can be smiling.”