‘Best is yet to come’ … FSU players, Norvell rave about new QB DJ Uiagalelei

CHARLOTTE — Florida State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei was not in attendance here Monday at ACC Kickoff.

Uiagalelei announced two weeks ago that because he had attended the event before, and because there were many other deserving returning players on the FSU roster, he would decline the invitation to attend this year’s event.

The veteran quarterback said he didn’t want to take shine off of any of the players who helped Florida State win the 2023 ACC Championship.

As nice as that gesture was, Uiagalelei was still a major topic of conversation during Monday’s interviews.

During their morning chat with Florida State beat reporters, during afternoon press conferences and in a long line of radio and television interviews, the ‘Noles were asked repeatedly about their new starting quarterback.

And after having Uiagalelei as part of the Florida State program for about seven months, their responses were glowing.

“He’s done a great job,” Florida State coach Mike Norvell said. “I love the attitude and approach that he’s brought into our program.”

“DJ’s been a great leader for us,” senior offensive tackle Darius Washington said.

“We hang out a lot outside of football,” added senior defensive tackle Joshua Farmer . “I can tell he’s just real humble and a down-to-earth guy. But I can tell he wants to lead. He doesn’t want to just talk, he wants to lead us by example. He’s just a great guy. He reminds me of Jordan Travis.”

Farmer and defensive end Patrick Payton had an up-close-and-personal view of Uiagalelei from the Seminoles’ game against Clemson in 2022. And both said they were excited when he transferred to Florida State because they learned first-hand how difficult he can be to contain — as a passer and runner.

“Hard to bring down,” Farmer said with a smile. “I remember Coach Odell (defensive tackles coach Odell Haggins) screaming, ’cause he broke a few of our tackles. He’s just a big quarterback and pretty good.”

Payton said he actually had two opportunities to sack Uiagalelei in that 2022 game and came up empty both times.

“The first time, I came from his blindside and I just came with a little swipe, tried to swat the ball out of his hand — not realizing how big he was,” Payton said. “He just stepped up and ran. The second time, I just came unblocked. It was just me and him one-on-one. He gave me a little step … but I forced him back inside, then Malcolm Ray got the sack.”

The interest in Uiagalelei is high across the ACC not just because he was a high-profile transfer, but because he started his college career as a five-star prospect at conference rival Clemson.

Uiagalelei was the Tigers’ starting quarterback for two seasons before transferring to Oregon State in 2023. Now, he is back in the conference with a new team.

And Norvell said he could not have asked more from the veteran signal-caller since he arrived on campus.

“He’s led with humility,” the Florida State head coach said. “He is a name that the country knows. The talent, the ability, what he brings to our program … but he’s come in really leading by action. Who he is, how he’s worked, learning a new offense, learning new teammates, investing that time, and I think that’s a special trait.”

Norvell said Uiagalelei came to Florida State with a focus on improving as a player and helping the Seminoles chase a national championship.

Since he arrived, Norvell said, the quarterback has worked tirelessly to learn everything he can about the FSU offense, to improve his fundamentals and to build bonds with his new teammates.

“He’s really earned the respect of his teammates,” Norvell said. “Because he’s put in so much work. I’m excited about where he’s headed. I believe the best is yet to come with him.”

Talk about this story with other die-hard Florida State football fans on the Tribal Council.

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