DJ Uiagalelei, QB, Florida State
Size:
Height: 6’4” (v) | Weight: 247 lbs (v)
Accomplishments:
Five-star recruit
“DJ Uiagalelei is a physically powerful thrower of the football who has the velocity and touch to threaten every level of a defensive structure.”
Strengths:
Strong and powerful thrower
Easy zip to threaten every inch of a defense
Touch up the seam
Concerns:
Inconsistent mechanics
Progressions
Escapability
Film Analysis:
DJ Uiagalelei is a physically powerful thrower of the football who has the velocity and touch to threaten every level of a defensive structure. He enters his first year at Florida State after stops at Oregon State and Clemson.
At 6-foot-4, Uiagalelei looks the part before he ever straps up his pads. He touts an excellent blend of size and arm talent that forces teams to respect his ability to threaten each level of a defense. Uiagalelei is an imposing figure in the pocket with the physical tools to absorb hits and extend plays. Fundamental arm strength is elite, but progression in identifying coverages and space to exploit remains a work in progress. Capable of making all the throws required at the next level, from hole shots down the field to far hash outs and comebacks (UCLA).
While many signal-callers operate primarily out of shotgun, Uiagalelei has displayed the ability to work under center, also. On straight dropbacks, Uiagalelei showcases a strong base quick to react and push throws downfield. His release is a bit elongated, but he displays a natural ability to throw with easy velocity. Ball handling is above average when selling play-action, and Uiagalelei has shown the ability to flip his head and fire throws behind linebackers into condensed windows. Capable of sliding and shuffling in the pocket, but it would be false to classify him as a dual-threat talent that will create when plays break down. He does do a nice job of keeping his eyes downfield when outside of the pocket, however. Uiagalelei is best inside of structure where he can read and react to coverages.
Areas of improvement primarily lie in his decision-making and mechanics. While Uiagalelei's physical attributes are undeniable, his consistency as a passer remains a work in progress. He has shown flashes of high-level play at the position, especially when given time to survey the field, but his decision-making can be erratic, leading to turnovers. At times, he struggles with accuracy, particularly on intermediate throws, which can disrupt the rhythm of the offense. This inconsistency is often tied to his mechanics, which can break down under pressure, leading to throws in the dirt and passes that will sail if he does not lower his front shoulder and work downhill.
Overall, Uiagalelei remains a highly intriguing prospect at the position due to his size and talent. Should he continue to refine his mechanics and improve his decision-making, Uiagalelei has the potential to develop into a starting-level quarterback at the next level where his combination of physical tools and ability to dissect defenses inside of structure makes him a prospect with an intriguing ceiling.
Prospect Projection: Priority UDFA
Written By: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: UCLA (2023), Oregon (2023), California (2023)
