Tigers Today: D.J. Uiagalelei ready to lead Clemson against Georgia

by:Pete Nakos•08/28/21•

PeteNakos_

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D.J. Uiagalelei ready to lead Clemson against Georgia

Kickoff is officially a week away. And when the top-five matchup between Clemson and Georgia begins, it will officially mark the start of the D.J. Uiagalelei era at Clemson.

The sophomore started two games last season as Trevor Lawrence sat in COVID-19 protocol. He completed 66.7% of his passes for 914 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions. But now this is his offense, which he has been preparing to run from this spring.

He’s shown throughout fall camp he is ready to handle the duties. He aced ACC media days, and he has impressed the coaching staff in fall camp.

“He’s a great leader,” Dabo Swinney said earlier this month. “Everybody has confidence in him, he makes others around him better. He loves it, he loves to compete and he loves to prepare. Obviously he’s got the great skills to go with it.”

Clemson has aspirations to win the ACC title and contend for a national championship this season. Getting strong production out of Uiagalelei is key.

How Matt Bockhorst made transition to center for Tigers

Clemson senior Matt Bockhorst has never started a game at center before in his life.

But it’s entirely possible, if not likely, that Bockhorst will be Clemson’s starting center when the third-ranked Tigers take on No. 5 Georgia to open the season next Saturday in Charlotte.

Last year’s starting center — Cade Stewart — moved on from football following the 2020 season after graduating. And Bockhorst has proven he can fill in the role.

ClemsonSports.com senior writer Matt Connolly broke down the possible position change.

Kirk Herbstreit names Clemson best stadium entrance

Clemson has been one of the most dominant teams in college football over the past decade. The Tigers have discovered the proper mix of top notch facilities, coaching and on-field talent. They are blessed with the very best in many areas.

According to ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit, Clemson can also boast about having college football’s best entrance.

Counting down

Clemson vs. Georgia (season opener): 7 days
Clemson at South Carolina: 91 days