DJ Uiagalelei has ‘best day’ during Florida State’s second scrimmage of spring

It’s not that DJ Uiagalelei had been struggling this spring for the Florida State Seminoles.

Not even close.

The former Clemson and Oregon State starter had been solid, sometimes more than solid, as he integrated himself into Mike Norvell’s offense.

But on Saturday, during Florida State’s second scrimmage of the spring, it sounds like the former five-star recruit played like one inside Doak Campbell Stadium.

“I thought today was his best day,” Norvell said after the scrimmage. “He’s had some good days in spring practice, but today I mean, he operated at a very, very high level. And you saw the confidence, the ball getting out, where it’s going. Even a couple of throwaways.

“I could tell he was in control of what he was being asked to do today. You know, we’ve been pretty aggressive with our installation, so it’s been trying to throw a lot on him. I liked how he responded, how he reacted. It’s exciting to see that progression.”

Norvell said Uiagalelei led the Florida State offense on a couple of long, extended drives mixed in with some explosive plays as well.

Despite having to replace multi-year starter Jordan Travis at quarterback, Norvell has expressed the utmost confidence in his quarterbacks throughout this spring. But he admitted after the first scrimmage there were more than a few throws and decisions they’d like to have back.

It sounds like, especially in the case of Uiagalelei, that the second scrimmage was much, much, much better.

“The more reps, the more time, the more experience, they’re really growing from that,” Norvell said.

Florida State’s head coach mentioned that Brock Glenn and Luke Kromenhoek also had some bright moments during the scrimmage, but Uiagalelei was the standout on Saturday. Along with fellow transfer Malik Benson, who had two touchdown catches in the scrimmage after scoring once in the first scrimmage.

As the spring progresses, Norvell said, it’s obvious that the new quarterbacks and skill position players are getting more and more comfortable in the Florida State offense.

“You get out there and you’re trying to adjust,” Norvell said. “You know the language you’ve learned and the technique and fundamentals that are being asked, but now it’s just getting caught up in the speed and the repetitions. And like I’ve said, we’ve been aggressive. Really on both sides of the ball.

“But you see those guys that have come in and they’re playing faster this week. … And there is that sense of urgency in improvement. It’s definitely fun to see. I think DJ is a great example of that.”

Uiagalelei and the rest of the Seminoles return to the practice field on Tuesday.

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

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