Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

Former No. 1 QB recruit selected in 20th round of MLB Draft

By Gerrit Ritt | Last updated 7/11/23

Coming out of high school, D.J. Uiagalelei was the top-rated quarterback in the country. He could've played for any school in the country. And despite being from California, he traveled 3,000 miles away from home to sign with the Clemson Tigers, taking his spot as the heir apparent to Trevor Lawrence.

What few people knew at the time was that Uiagalelei wasn't just a top football talent, but also a highly regarded high school pitcher with a 93 mph fastball who could've likely turned that into a baseball scholarship if he chose to.

More than three years later, the Los Angeles Dodgers remembered that potential. And on Tuesday, the team surprised many by selecting Uiagalelei in the 20th round of the Major League Baseball Draft, despite him not having pitched since his senior year in high school in 2020.

In the 20th round (610th overall) of the MLB draft, the @Dodgers select @BeaverFootball QB DJ Uiagalelei @DJUiagalelei!pic.twitter.com/bCH5do9i2q
— PNW College Baseball Report (@PNW_CBR) July 11, 2023

And if you thought he was only a one-trick baseball pony, you'd be wrong. Check out this unearthed video of D.J. taking part in a student Home Run Derby while at Clemson. Not only does he have an arm, but a pretty good swing at the plate as well.

I have done some research on DJ Uiagalelei’s career and:

In high school, he had a fastball velo that registered between 88 and 93 mph. He also had a curveball in his arsenal.

In a student home run derby at Clemson, he also hit some nukes. pic.twitter.com/E3SoDUtWZ5 https://t.co/UI3NbZeLQ0
— Kevin Fielder (@TheKevinFielder) July 11, 2023

Uiagalelei has since moved on from Clemson, having had several chances at being the starter since Lawrence left for the NFL, then was subsequently beaten out for the starting job by Cade Klubnik last season.

He's at Oregon State now hoping to kickstart his college career. And even though he's expected to win the QB1 role for the Beavers, could a move back to the diamond be in order if the NFL doesn't come calling?

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