How DJ Uiagalelei fared in his Florida State football debut

TALLAHASSEE — The construction of Doak Campbell Stadium provided a fitting backdrop for Florida State football's spring showcase on Saturday.

Mike Norvell's Seminoles also looked like a work in progress on the field.

That's a charitable take on the revamped offense led by former Clemson/Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. The former five-star recruit unofficially completed 13-of-29 passes for 184 yards (including handling situations before scrimmage).

“It obviously wasn't the prettiest day,” Uiagalelei said.

But it wasn't always as bad as the numbers indicated.

Uiagalelei bounced back from a shaky start. His first pass in the red zone was behind a receiver. His second dropback ended in a sack call (the quarterback was wearing a non-contact jersey). Five of his next seven passes were also missed, including one that may have been intercepted by Georgia transfer Marvin Jones Jr.

Two miscommunications also occurred during the two-minute training session. Some of that is expected as the new quarterback is still learning the system with his teammates.

It didn't help that Uiagalelei's receiving corps dropped multiple passes either. Malik Benson, a transfer from Alabama whom Coach Norvell called one of the best offensive players, left with an injury and did not return. Much work remains before this unit can adequately replace Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson, both of whom are expected to be drafted this week. Norvell said receivers are looking for consistency.

It was not found on Saturday.

Once again, FSU's defense was a factor. The secondary is strong, with everyone from early enrollee blue-chip Kai Bates to rising star Azaleye Thomas breaking up passes. The defense generated pressure, led by Aaron Hester.

However, Uiagalelei still made important plays. He was 6-of-8 on third down, converting five times (not including defensive pass interference). His best moment was a 27-yard third-down conversion to Benson.

“I really love coaching these young men,” Norvell said. “His talent, his ability, his playmaking skills, his willingness to learn…

“I'm really excited about where he's going and what's in front of him.”

What's in front of him is a run to the ACC Championship.

The Seminoles don't need Uiagalelei to be like Jordan Travis, the escape artist who became one of the best players in program history. All they need is for him to be productive, efficient and calm – a typical game manager who can also extend the field vertically. They just need him to supplement what should be a very good run game.

Kazaiah Holmes and Pinellas Park High School graduate Lawrence Toafili ran over a would-be tackler on a touchdown run Saturday. Alabama transfer Roydell Williams ran strong. Redshirt freshman Samuel Singleton Jr. had an explosive run, and Jaylin Lucas, a transfer from Indiana, showed such incredible speed that he looked like the next jack-of-all-trades playmaker behind Norvell.

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With the backfield to rely on, FSU might be fine with a capable quarterback who can use his experience (40 career starts) to keep drives going. Uiagalelei performed well enough Saturday afternoon to seem like he could accomplish that goal without a turnover.

“Obviously, I've played a lot of soccer,” Uiagalelei said. “I feel like my best years are yet to come.”

Gnoll takes notes

• The construction created an unpleasant scene for the 18,061 spectators in attendance. The West Stand was replaced with brown earth, white pipes and steel. Several construction pickup trucks were parked near the stadium, allowing spectators to watch from their trucks. Do not enter the sign blocking the four tunnels on the east side. FSU will use temporary seating this season, but expects the nine-figure renovation to be completed by the 2025 season opener.

• The quarterback's non-contact jersey was turquoise, a color FSU highlighted during the Seminole Heritage game. The team has yet to wear them during a game.

– Marvin Jones Jr., a former five-star signee from Georgia, said it was an “unbelievable feeling” playing for Doak. His father was a Hall of Fame linebacker at FSU.

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