Rise and Fire Camp Series: 5-Star 2020 St. John Bosco QB DJ Uiagalelei Updates Season and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Photo credit: Raymond Joyce Photography

Twitter: @RJPSports

Everything is rolling positive for St. John Bosco High School and Class of 2020 quarterback DJ Uiagalelei on the gridiron. The Braves were the preseason No. 1 ranked team in the nation and have held true to the preseason hype reclaiming the spot after taking down Trinity League rival Mater Dei, the No. 3 ranked team in the country, for a 9-0 record. Uiagalelei has also upheld his end of the heavy early season expectations blistering the opposition all season long.

Uiagalelei has a consensus five-star ranking for very good reason, he has all the intangibles one would want in a collegiate quarterback. At 6-5, 235-pounds, he can see over any offensive line and has the size and strength to holdoff defenders while buying time in the pocket to deliver a strike downfield. He has the proverbial million-dollar arm capable of making any throw on the field, and has done it against the best of the best, and is ridiculously accurate. Uiagalelei has completed 73 percent of his passes this season connecting on 117 of 160 pass attempts for 1,848 yards with 25 touchdowns tossed against just two picks. He has also moved the chains with his legs adding 185 yards on the ground off 29 carries with responsible for two more scores going up on the board.

Ahead of entering their regular season finale on Friday against Servite, I sat down with Uiagalelei getting an update on how the 30 reported teams to have offered him are trying to woo him while getting up to speed on how his overall skillset has improved during his junior campaign.

*Click link for Aug. 15, 2018, RNG interview with DJ Uiagalelei

Interview

DJ, the Braves look like an unstoppable force destined for greatness by season’s end, but there are a lot of very tough games left ahead. As one of the leaders of the team, how do you help keep the guys in check and motivated to keep working hard week after week?

“I will voice my opinion if something needs to be addressed. I’m not a rah-rah guy but I will address something that needs to be addressed.”

What is the team’s mindset with a No. 1 ranking?

“We have a last game mentality, as each game may be our last. We know that we have to keep our foot on the gas. We are only nine games into the season but we are trying to win all 15.”

By point margin, the JSerra Catholic game (35-28) was the toughest game for you guys. For you personally, how did that close game help make you a better quarterback?

“I realized you have to prepare even harder. I did not prepare as well as I could have for that game. I did not perform at my best against JSerra. I don’t want another week like that again.”

You guys got some revenge against Mater Dei winning 41-18. You had an amazing game against the Monarchs hitting 15 of 21 for 278 yards with five touchdowns. What was working for you so well in that game to be so productive?

“I feel like it was the game plan. All of our offensive coaches put together a great plan. We had a great week of practice and we executed it well.”

We talked in the pre-season about all the things you worked on to prepare for your junior year, now nine games into the year, how has your overall game improved?

“I am improving a lot in my reads and making smarter decisions. I am going from one to four in my progressions with my receivers.”

What are some of the areas of your game you continue to work on every day in practice?

“Everything. There is not just one thing that I feel I am great at and no longer need to work on it. I work on everything.”

What is your weekly preparation like for each game?

“We practice Monday through Wednesday and then do a jog through on Thursday. We lift Monday through Thursday. I watch a couple of hours of film every day on that week’s opponent.”

With recruiting, I imagine all of the college programs out there that are going to offer have offered you by now. But just in case, are there any schools showing interest but have not offered?

“No.”

How many offers do you have now?

“I am not sure. I believe I am around 30 offers.”

Of the schools that have offered you, which coaching staffs are in the most regular contact with you?

“Clemson, Oregon, LSU, Bama, Auburn, Arizona State, Washington, and UCLA.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits over the last couple of months?

“Yes. I went up to Oregon for the Stanford game and I have been to some UCLA games. I went to the UCLA game on Saturday against Arizona.”

How did the UCLA game day visit go?

“It was a good game. UCLA won 31-30. I got to see my uncle at the game. He is the defensive line coach for Arizona (Iona Uiagalelei).”

That’s cool. Circling back, how did the Oregon visit go?

“That was a great visit. That atmosphere there was great and it was loud. It was a great visit.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“Yes. I am going to Auburn for the Texas A&M game and I am planning on going to Clemson for the Duke game.”

As a top recruit in the 2020 class, when college coaches approach you or try to develop that relationship with you, what works well with you and what doesn’t?

“Being straight with me with no sugar coating is the best approach. Don’t lie to me. Don’t tell me what you think I want to hear. If it’s not what I want to hear, I still appreciate the honesty.”

There were some great college football games on Saturday, which games did you watch other than the UCLA game and what stood out to you?

“I watched N.C. State verses Clemson game. Clemson looked good. Trevor Lawrence looked good. Their receivers and defense looked good too. I saw part of the Bama game; I taped it. Tua (Tagovailoa) should win the Heisman. I thought he looked really good.”

Which college and/or NFL guys to you watch to learn more about the game?

“I try to take in everything. All QBs can offer something, even in different offenses. I try to soak up everything. I don’t watch just one person.”

Makes sense. DJ, I appreciate your time today and good luck on Friday against Servite and in the playoffs.

“Thank you.”