DJ Uiagalelei was not perfect, but his spring showing is promising for Florida State
DJ Uiagalelei made his first appearance for Florida State Saturday, performing in the spring showcase as the starting quarterback for the Seminoles. The performance was far from flawless, but it’s a positive one to build on.
According to the ACC Network broadcast, Uiagalelei finished the event 12-of-26 for 177 yards. While that rate is a touch below the level of efficiency one wants in a game, the aspect of this being a spring game and a practice must be considered.
Uiagalelei also saw some usage as a runner in designed QB run plays during the showcase. That is unlikely to be a key part of the offense at Florida State, but Uiagalelei remains a serviceable runner, particularly in short-yardage situations.
After the event, head coach Mike Norvell spoke glowingly of Uiagalelei’s progress in the spring. Norvell said he enjoys coaching Uiagalelei and the ability he brings to the table for FSU:
Mike Norvell on DJ Uiagalelei: “I really love coaching the young man. The talent, the ability.”
“He’s had a very good spring.”
“I’m really excited about where he’s going. He’s taken some great strides during the course of this spring.” #Noles pic.twitter.com/E7thfrxmcy
— Logan B. Robinson (@LogansTwitty) April 20, 2024
Uiagalelei shared similar praise for his early moments in the program and working alongside Norvell. The new QB for the Seminoles said Norvell brings a new level of intensity and “demands excellence” every play:
The biggest difference between this spring and others DJ Uiagalelei has experienced is the standard Mike Norvell demands.
“The intensity he brings. Until you experience it for yourself, it’s unmatched. The intensity, the focus level.”
“He instills it in you and he demands…
— Dustin Lewis (@DustinLewisNG) April 20, 2024
Considering Norvell’s assessment of the spring and Uiagalelei’s description of the head coach, it does not seem like there are any concerns for the performance on Saturday. Ultimately, it’s still a practice session for the team and illustrates areas to work on but is still a watered-down effort for the offense.
As the Seminoles hit the summer, here are some other key takeaways to be aware of:
Malik Benson one to watch
Malik Benson spent the 2023 season with Alabama after beginning his career at the JUCO ranks. He transferred to Florida State in the offseason and quickly impressed the coaching staff throughout the spring.
On Saturday, he continued that trend with a strong showing and made one brilliant catch down the sideline in a one-on-one situation. Norvell labeled the receiver one of the top players on the roster coming out of the spring, and his connection with Uiagalelei will be a key this fall.
Mike Norvell talking about the #FSU wide receiver room.
“I thought there were some good moments but some missed opportunities.”
Norvell mentions Malik Benson as a playmaker and one of the top players on the roster after this spring. #Noles
— Logan B. Robinson (@LogansTwitty) April 20, 2024
Unfortunately, Benson’s afternoon did not end on a positive note. He was trying to block during one downfield running play when his right leg and ankle were rolled up on by a defender.
Benson would be helped off the field and tended to but never returned to the playing field. Hopefully, the ailment is a minor one and does not impede his summer or the start of training camp because he looks primed for a big season with the Seminoles.
Jaylin Lucas can stretch defenses
Florida State hits the summer with an absolutely stocked running back room with Lawrance Toafili, Caziah Holmes and Samuel Singleton returning from last year’s team. To supplement that group, the Seminoles added Roydell Williams from Alabama and Jaylin Lucas from Indiana, but Lucas is particularly interesting to keep an eye on.
Lucas is indeed listed as a RB on the roster, but he brings with him elite versatility after 2 seasons with the Hoosiers. He finished his first 2 college seasons with 875 yards from scrimmage and had 247 receiving yards during the 2023 season alone.
While the other players in the RB room are more traditional backfield threats, Lucas is at his best when he can get into the open field. That means he is likely to receive some handoffs this fall, but also look for Lucas to line up across the formation with a chance to stretch defenses sideline to sideline and even vertically if the opportunity arises.
His speed is elite, and count on Norvell to find unique ways to deploy Lucas offensively.
21+ only. NC only. Subject to eligibility requirements. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov.
US Dollar 2,000 in a Single Online Day Due to its position, the United bf03 States offers a plethora of opportunities for those seeking employment. With so many options accessible, it might be difficult to know where to start. You may choose the ideal online housekeeping strategy with the help vz-83 of this post.
Begin here>>>>>>>>>>>>>> letswise099.blogspot.com
At least Jane gives a phork about your ACC articles. Oh, btw, your bio says PAUL HARVEY – Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football. Follow on Twitter. You may “cover” SEC football but it sure looks like you don’t write about it anymore. You sucking up to Friedlander or what?
DJ Uiaga_ _ _ _ _ was a five star bust at Clemson & at Oregon State. He is a big kid and wants to go to the NFL but he’s not a NFL QB. He has a big arm, but Milton at Tennessee does too but processing the reads for both of them is a major problem. Lots of luck DJ but your odds of making as a NFL QB are slim.
Neither one of them are any worse than AR15…just sayin…
Not so fast my I-want-to-be-adopted-by-the-SDS-Gator-family little one, I believe Milton is done with college and he aint getting a quarter of the hype AR did at the same point in their carrer and DJ is worse, a journeyman who can’t do a pre game backflip or come close to hitting the roof of a domed stadium.
AR was in a class all by himself
Since you put it that way, palley…I regress.