Lifelong Duck. Born in Eugene. Dad played baseball there. I absolutely love Coach Smith and everything about what he is doing in Corvallis. Was genuinely thrilled to see them beat Florida. Big things happening in Corvallis. Frankly, just a more buttoned up program right now than Oregon. Part of that is the stability they've had with Coach Smith. It's great to see. Can't wait to see what they do this coming year.
John, I am really impressed with DJ and his approach to the game. But I am even more impressed with coach Smith for getting him here, allowing him to be himself and understanding the role of coaching in player development. He is doing an amazing job at OSU!
As an SC fan I can tell you that the only two things that slowed down SCs offense last season were a torn hamstring in the CCG and the Oregon St defense. Put a really good QB on that team and look out. DJ like his younger brother was a bit overrated coming out of HS - he’s nowhere close to as good as Bryce Young or Stroud now and was rated over both in HS—-BUT his experience at Clemson and the adversity was probably the best thing could have happened. He’s a good kid, very mature. He needed a fresh start. Jonathan Smith to my mind is the best coach in the PNW and has the most clear identity culture in the P12 outside of Utah. DJ is going to thrive. Not scared of Utah in fact can’t wait for revenge. Not scared of UW. Not remotely scared of Oregon.
Oregon State with DJ playing well is the only team I think could upset SCs season and it would happen in the CCG. They are going to be very, very tough out.
Good stuff on D.J for sure! I also heard your interview with Nick Daschle and was surprised to hear him say he thought Gulbranson and D.J we're in a dead heat at this point of the spring season.
I think we all know D.J. is the guy . Gulbranson was serviceable and yeah we won alot of games but at quarterback we won ugly. Even the Stanford victory was pure luck. How many completions against the Ducks?? MVP in Vegas Bowl? Should have been the OSU defense and offensive line.
Everyone is saying all the right things about how it's a competition and it has to be earned but D.J. is not leaving an ACC powerhouse to sit on the bench in Corvallis.
Apr 14, 2023·edited Apr 14, 2023Liked by John Canzano
I met D.J. on his trip to Oregon prior to deciding on Clemson. Great kid ... in a mans body. So tough to see an 18 year old get BBQ'd over how he played at Clemson but it was crystal clear he was uncomfortable from the very start. Maybe a change of scenery and a new leader will make all the difference ... a chance is all he'll be given and all he can expect!
It’s really hard not to love this program and everything they’re about. I’ve always been a casual fan, growing up in Portland and generally rooting for the Ducks because there was more to root for. But this program…and what Smith has done…I can’t help but root for them. Work hard, nothing’s given to them, no me, me, me attitude…it feels so much different than their rivals just south.
“I’m not hearing the coaches yell at me each and every play if I miss a throw or miss a read. They just let us go out there and play.”
Maybe not directed at Sweeney, but I bet that is what Streeter did. DJ had his issues, but they were compounded by Streeter. If someone is doing that at every practice, no wonder he couldn;t get out of his head and play naturally.
“One day at a time,” Uiagalelei said. “You can’t look too far ahead. The only thing we’re promised is today. We’re not promised tomorrow.”
DJ seems to be a rare combination of talents obvious and well-grounded maturity. He’ll flourish under Coach Smith. Good on Jonathan for his established priorities.
Loved his comment about no egos, everybody just comes out and works. That's the culture Jonathan Smith has built.
Lifelong Duck. Born in Eugene. Dad played baseball there. I absolutely love Coach Smith and everything about what he is doing in Corvallis. Was genuinely thrilled to see them beat Florida. Big things happening in Corvallis. Frankly, just a more buttoned up program right now than Oregon. Part of that is the stability they've had with Coach Smith. It's great to see. Can't wait to see what they do this coming year.
John, I am really impressed with DJ and his approach to the game. But I am even more impressed with coach Smith for getting him here, allowing him to be himself and understanding the role of coaching in player development. He is doing an amazing job at OSU!
What a great story, I'm glad that Jonathan Smith is DJU's coach - seems like a good match.
As an SC fan I can tell you that the only two things that slowed down SCs offense last season were a torn hamstring in the CCG and the Oregon St defense. Put a really good QB on that team and look out. DJ like his younger brother was a bit overrated coming out of HS - he’s nowhere close to as good as Bryce Young or Stroud now and was rated over both in HS—-BUT his experience at Clemson and the adversity was probably the best thing could have happened. He’s a good kid, very mature. He needed a fresh start. Jonathan Smith to my mind is the best coach in the PNW and has the most clear identity culture in the P12 outside of Utah. DJ is going to thrive. Not scared of Utah in fact can’t wait for revenge. Not scared of UW. Not remotely scared of Oregon.
Oregon State with DJ playing well is the only team I think could upset SCs season and it would happen in the CCG. They are going to be very, very tough out.
Encouraging! Good feeling about both he and Coach Jonathan. Thanks for the insight. Go Beavs!
Good stuff on D.J for sure! I also heard your interview with Nick Daschle and was surprised to hear him say he thought Gulbranson and D.J we're in a dead heat at this point of the spring season.
I think we all know D.J. is the guy . Gulbranson was serviceable and yeah we won alot of games but at quarterback we won ugly. Even the Stanford victory was pure luck. How many completions against the Ducks?? MVP in Vegas Bowl? Should have been the OSU defense and offensive line.
Everyone is saying all the right things about how it's a competition and it has to be earned but D.J. is not leaving an ACC powerhouse to sit on the bench in Corvallis.
I met D.J. on his trip to Oregon prior to deciding on Clemson. Great kid ... in a mans body. So tough to see an 18 year old get BBQ'd over how he played at Clemson but it was crystal clear he was uncomfortable from the very start. Maybe a change of scenery and a new leader will make all the difference ... a chance is all he'll be given and all he can expect!
It’s really hard not to love this program and everything they’re about. I’ve always been a casual fan, growing up in Portland and generally rooting for the Ducks because there was more to root for. But this program…and what Smith has done…I can’t help but root for them. Work hard, nothing’s given to them, no me, me, me attitude…it feels so much different than their rivals just south.
“I’m not hearing the coaches yell at me each and every play if I miss a throw or miss a read. They just let us go out there and play.”
Maybe not directed at Sweeney, but I bet that is what Streeter did. DJ had his issues, but they were compounded by Streeter. If someone is doing that at every practice, no wonder he couldn;t get out of his head and play naturally.
“One day at a time,” Uiagalelei said. “You can’t look too far ahead. The only thing we’re promised is today. We’re not promised tomorrow.”
DJ seems to be a rare combination of talents obvious and well-grounded maturity. He’ll flourish under Coach Smith. Good on Jonathan for his established priorities.
GO DAWGS
I like what I'm hearing from a 21 year old who listens to his mother. I like the God part too...
Great interview... he sounds very grounded.. so lucky to have coach smith in corvallis.
Smith is a smart coach and knows how to handle his situation. Seems like a great kid. Wishing him well, except when they play the Ducks!
Hey Folks…
I coach high school football just a few miles from USC. Most USC fans are cool.
Their SCFORTHEWHINE dude is a troll.
If he indeed is a USC fan then he is that 1% you can best ignore.
Another great take, JC. Thank you.
I am a Ducks fan who will be cheering on DJU, Coach Smith, and the Beavers until the final game of the regular season; The Civil War Game.
Golf classes? Another reason I was born too early!