Clemson football: Dabo Swinney names Tigers' starting quarterback for 2022 season

Clemson wrapped up its spring football practice with the annual Orange and White Game at Memorial Stadium, setting the team up for its summer workouts.

One of the biggest questions on head coach Dabo Swinney's to-do list this preseason was deciding who his team's starting quarterback will be for the 2022 season.

After watching junior D.J. Uiagalelei and 5-star 2022 signee Cade Klubnik battle for the job, it looks like he has an answer.

"D.J.'s definitely our starter," Swinney said. "He's had a great spring and hasn't done anything not to be the starter. Cade is a really talented player. I mean, we've got two guys that I think can win at a high level. Just like when Trevor and D.J. were coming out of the spring.

"It's not often that you can say that, but I've seen enough, from both those guys, to know that. It's a good situation."

Uiagalelei brings 5-star pedigree of his own, but didn't play up to his potential last season. In his first full year as starter, he passed for 2,246 yards with nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions as Clemson's overall offensive production faltered.

Clemson started the 2021 season 2-2 with losses to eventual national champion Georgia and ACC rival NC State, but finished winning 10 games, including in the Cheez-It Bowl against preseason favorite Iowa State.

Uiagalelei went 17 of 36 passing in the Clemson spring game, showing flashes in the deep game, but also with some misfires, including overthrown passes and an interception that resulted in a TD the other way.

Clemson failed to win the ACC championship or make the College Football Playoff last season, both for the first time in six straight years. 

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