Interview: 2020 QB Talent DJ Uiagalelei Lining Up to be Next Top California Sensation

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Most years, it seems, every state hosting a Power Five Conference school turns out at least one Division-I caliber quarterback. Certain states seem to have a knack for producing great high school quarterbacks that go on to cash in on college football glory above the others. Texas, Georgia, and California routinely produce phenomenal players in the pocket but few my churn them out like the Golden State. One Class of 2020 California product picking up the gunslinger torch and slinging it around the yard is DJ Uiagalelei.

Uiagalelei is another in a long line of St. John Bosco quarterbacks that will go on to fill up the stat sheet for some lucky offensive coordinator on Saturdays. In recent history, the Braves have groomed Josh Rosen (UCLA), Quentin Davis (Fresno State), and have returning starting quarterback Re-al Mitchell back, a verbal commit to Iowa State.

Uiagalelei has yet to lead the Braves to a varsity victory on the field but already has 12 Division-I offers. Had Uiagalelei played for just about any other high school team in the nation safe to bet he would have been that team’s starting quarterback as a freshman. Mitchell’s dual-threat talents that helped Bosco capture a California state title in 2016 and an end of the season No. 2 MaxPreps ranking is about the only thing that has kept Uiagalelei on the Braves’ varsity sidelines.

Against his peer group, in just seven games, Uiagalelei passed for over 3,500 yards with 40-plus touchdowns. The stat sheet is impressive but the game tape shows it all. At 6-5, 240 pounds, Uiagalelei was no ordinary freshman quarterback and will continue to be extraordinary as his game continues to evolve. The size is already there, but the arm seals the deal. A canon right arm is on display at second’s notice capable of flinging it 30 yards downfield on the run hitting his receiver in the chest or a drop back pass softly lofting some 40-50 yards downfield hitting his target perfectly in stride.

The colleges that are sold on Uiagalelei are not falling prey to hype. And the schools extending offers are not ones to pass around offers on a whim. USC, Alabama, Fresno State, Arizona State, Oregon State, San Jose State, UCLA, BYU, Utah, Oregon, and Arizona are ready to take his verbal commitment. All the upside is there plus Uiagalelei has some wheels. Not only can he burn a team with his arm and decision making, but he can also move the chains with his feet picking up some 800 yards on the ground posting eight more scores on the board, again, in just seven games.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with what will be one of the top recruits in the 2020 class at his position covering his growth on the field and recruiting process thus far.

Interview

DJ, the Braves freshman squad had some big games last season going up against Bishop Gorman, Centennial, and Mater Dei. How did those games help prepare you for your sophomore season?

“The games helped prepare me by the adversary role of the competition. Also, at the Mater Dei game, there were a couple of thousand people there. That’s not the crowed for our varsity level, but a little taste. The competition at the freshman level from some of those teams was great. I believe some of those teams could have beaten some varsity teams.”

Gauging from your reel, is the 40-yard line and in your red zone?

(Laughs) “Yeah, I guess so.”

Your footwork is way ahead of your peer group, how long have you been receiving quarterback instruction on the mechanics of the position?

“Growing up I did not have a QB coach. I never had that. I would go to different camps and pick up little things here and there and incorporate that into my game.”

Did you suit up with the varsity last season for the games to help acclimate for your sophomore season?

“Yes, sir.”

How did your game improve going through spring practices with the Braves varsity team?

“I think it improved a lot. The mental part of it improved a lot. After baseball, I started focusing on football. My mechanics and arm improved a lot this off-season.”

What has been the biggest adjustment for you from freshman ball to Bosco varsity practices?

“I practiced with the varsity last year. After freshman practice I would go over to practice with the varsity team. There has not been too much of a difference this spring because I was used to it. But, if there is one thing in the transition it is the speed of the game.”

When you go into the game during the 2017 season, will the offense change at all for you as compared to what the coaches may call for Re-al Mitchell?

“I’m not sure. We’ll see. It’ll probably change a little.”

How are you preparing for the season this summer?

“I’m fine-tuning my footwork with the routes, know my reads, and learning different fronts. I’m making sure I am on time with every throw and route.”

Have you attended any camps?

“Yes, sir. I went to a Utah camp on Wednesday in Utah, Monday I was at a USC invite only camp with about 70 kids, and I went to a Washington camp in Redlands. On Sunday, I was at the Oregon and Utah camp at Lavern. About two weeks ago, I also went to an Arizona camp in Tucson.”

How did the Utah camp go?

“It was a great experience for me. There were not too many kids there, there were only a few quarterbacks. I was right there, hand-in-hand, with their offensive coordinator, Coach (Troy) Taylor. He was teaching me a lot of stuff. It was not packed, so he was going over stuff with me. I liked it a lot.”

How did the USC camp go?

“That was a very good camp too. Well organized. There were three QBs there. We went through the whole USC practice as part of the camp. After the camp, we watched film to see how we did. That was very cool.”

Do you have any camps coming up?

“I’m not sure. I don’t think so. I’m working on summer ball now.”

You picked up a lot of interest this spring. Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered yet?

“Washington and LSU.”

How many offers do you have so far?

“Twelve.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Oregon is the only visit for a game. I went up there for their spring game. I’ve been to SC (USC) and UCLA a couple of times. The other schools that I been too, I have been there but just for camps not for a visit (Utah and Arizona).”

Do you have any unofficial visits planned for this summer or fall?

“Not yet.”

When you step away from football related activities, what are you doing with your downtime this summer?

“During my downtime, I’m hanging out with my brother and going to the rec center playing basketball. Throwing the football around too.”

DJ, thanks for your time today and good luck with the start of summer ball on Monday.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Uiagalelei family; DJ at Utah (June 2017).

Photo credit:  Uiagalelei family; DJ at UCLA (Feb. 2017).