D.J. Uiagalelei found out on Thursday afternoon that he would be starting for the #1 ranked football team in the nation on Saturday with the announcement that Trevor Lawrence had tested positive for COVID-19.
Following a 342 passing yards and three total touchdown day, Uiagalelei became just the third ever true freshman in Clemson history to win a game. The other two guys? Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence. Not bad company to be keeping for the freshman from California.
Travis Etienne was awarded the Leather Helmet Trophy, which is handed out to the MVP of the game between the Eagles and the Tigers. Instead of keeping it for his second Leather Helmet Trophy, he handed it off to the man that was handing the ball off to him all afternoon.
Uiagalelei had some kind words for his running back when he met with the media post-game:
A comeback win is nothing new for “Big Cinco” as the last game the quarterback started was the California State Championship Game, where he led his team back from down 25.
The true freshman had no idea he would be starting for the Tigers on Thursday. The story goes that D.J. was sitting in the quarterback room watching film when Coach Swinney came in and closed the door behind him.
With Trevor Lawrence being ruled out for next weekend’s top-5 matchup with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Clemson will once again lean on the 6’5 250 pound true freshman quarterback.
Here is what some other players and coaches thought of Uiagalelei’s performance:
Clemson will head to South Bend, Indiana for a highly anticipated matchup with ACC opponent Notre Dame next Saturday. Kick is set for 7:30 pm on NBC
