5-Star 2020 QB DJ Uiagalelei Covers Braves Camp and Run for a National Championship

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The progress and growth of St. John Bosco quarterback DJ Uiagalelei can be tracked in a meaningful way leading to big expectations for the upcoming 2019 season. During his sophomore season, Uiagalelei threw for 2,733 yards with 29 touchdowns while picking up an extra 379 yards on the ground with four more scores helping his squad to an 11-3 record with an end of season No. 3 national ranking (MaxPreps). The progression showed in 2018 ending with 3,366 passing yards, 48 touchdowns tossed and 312 yards on the ground with six trips into the end zone. The 6-5, 245-pound, gunslinger guided the Braves to a 13-1 record with a run to the CIF Southern Section Championship Game ending ranked at No. 2 nationally.

When the lights go up on the 2019 season, the five-star Class of 2020 talent will have all the expectations in the world upon his capable shoulders to take that next step in the playoffs which should secure not only a California state title but a national championship breaking up archrival Mater Dei’s two-year run atop the state and the country.

In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with the Clemson Tigers commit (5-5-19) getting an inside look at the Braves 2019 team with an update on how he is preparing his team for a run at a national championship.

*Click link for May 2, 2019, RNG video interview with DJ Uiagalelei

Interview

DJ, how have the Braves looked overall during fall camp?

“We look good. Our offense is looking good. Everyone is healthy. We are getting the plays down and are going 100 percent in practice. We are looking very good.”

As the leader of the offense, what are you seeing that will be the strength(s) of the team on that side of the ball this season?

“The experience we have. All the older guys we have on offense, especially up front on the line. We have experience at receiver and running back. The experience we have will be the biggest thing for us this season.”

Are there any players who the fans should watch for that are stepping up, beyond the high-profile names on the squad, who are working to make an impact this season?

“Yes. We have three good young running backs who will have a big impact for us this season; Rayshon Luke, Jabari Bates, and Mike Hayes. (4-star) Beaux Collins (receiver) did not play a lot last year, he will have a big season this year. Khalil Williams and Jode McDuffie, he did not play too much. He will have a big year. He will surprise a lot of people this season with the talent that we have on our team.”

Given the difficult schedule the Braves have this season, how are you leading the team to make sure the squad is ready to go when the ball is on the tee against DeMatha on Aug. 24?

“I am making sure everyone knows we have the game in two weeks. I am making sure we are all on the same page, watching film, and getting all the plays down right. I am making sure everyone knows what is at stake. From the very first game, a national championship on the line.”

The opening game of the season is always a big one for every team, and another for the Braves is squaring off against Mater Dei. What other games on the schedule maybe have you a little more hyped to play than the rest?

“I am excited to play every game. I am ready to get out there and play. Those two games you mentioned and I want JSerra (Catholic) again. Last year it was a close game, closer than it should have been (35-28). We wanted to play that game again last season.”

I ask you this question every time we speak, how have your workouts gone and where are you seeing the improvements in your own game?

“I feel like I have gotten faster and smarter. I am bigger; I took the weight room serious this year. I worked on stuff with Coach Danny (Hernandez) in the offseason and with my QB coach up north. I worked on my release and tying my eyes with my feet.”

Everyone wants to win a state championship, that team goal aside, what goals do you want to accomplish during your senior year?

“I want to win a national championship this season. I have no other goals.”

DJ, always great catching up with you. I appreciate your time and wish you and the Braves a successful 2019 season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: St. John Bosco/Uiagalelei family; DJ Uiagalelei at a Braves practice