Clemson should work in D.J. Uiagalelei to prep for life after Trevor Lawrence

D.J. Uiagalelei will make the transition at quarterback easy for the Clemson Tigers.

The New England Patriots had to move on from Tom Brady, the San Francisco 49ers had to move on from Joe Montana, the Clemson Tigers had to move on from DeShaun Watson. Moving on at every position in the game is important but especially at the quarterback position. Teams need to have a capable player take over for the guy before him and put the team in either a better position than they were before or maintain the same standard of excellence that the other quarterback was held to.

When you have great talent at the quarterback position, prepping for the successor can either be difficult or smooth. In Clemson’s case, Trevor Lawrence is likely going to be a top pick if not the No.1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and D.J. Uiagalelei has all the right skills to take the torch and keep it burning bright. Uiagalelei is a two-time CIF Open Division State Champion with the St. John Bosco Braves out of Bellflower, California.

While Clemson’s

strength of schedule was largely criticized

with the thought being the Tigers don’t play anybody until the College Football Playoff, the Tigers have won two national championships in the last three seasons. It’s not Clemson’s fault that the level of talent in the ACC is poor and they are so good. They lost to a dominant offensive team in the LSU Tigers led by 2020 No. 1 pick Joe Burrow and it’s not like they won’t be in the mix for more championships in the future.

Why should Clemson give D.J. Uiagalelei snaps at quarterback in 2020?

D.J. Uiagalelei is the right guy to take over for Trevor Lawrence. He is the 10th-best player in the 2020 class, the third-best player in California, and the best overall pro-style quarterback. The four-star recruit led the Braves to a 14-1 (5-0 Trinity League) finish last season. He threw for 4,225 yards (19 yards per pass), 48 touchdowns, and two interceptions en route to a state championship.

The 6-foot-4, 246 pounder has a strong arm with an accurate touch, good pocket presence and he can run with the football if he needs to. His stocky build at the position will serve him well at the next level in trying to avoid the rush and he can absorb the pressure much better. It’s important that Clemson doesn’t use him as a running quarterback primarily. That will put more wear and tear on his body than there needs to be.

Given the fact that the season has been shortened to conference play due to COVID-19, it would make sense for Clemson to give Uiagalelei playing time to see what he can do. It will be even more important down the stretch toward the playoffs to give key starters a rest. Head Coach Dabo Swinney is going to need to see how he can handle situational football when the games mean a lot more.

The good news for D.J. Uiagalelei is that he will have Lawrence to teach him how to be a quarterback that Clemson can win with because he has done it already. Some more good news for Clemson’s offense is Travis Etienne and Lyn-J Dixon will be in the backfield. Amari Rodgers is going to be back and should have an increased role in the offense since Justyn Ross will miss the 2020 season due to a spinal issue. Cody Williams gave Clemson fans five breakout players to watch this upcoming season. The quarterback position will be in good hands with Uiagalelei.