Heisman Preview: Deshaun Watson QB Clemson

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Coming into the season, Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson embarked on a season laid out in front on him and his Tigers teammates with plenty of buzz and hoopla.

In the case of Watson, a freshmen season in 2014 only added to the rightful buzz that the young gunslinger received. A freshmen season that saw Watson throwing for 1,466 yards and 14 touchdowns while adding another 200 yards on the ground and five scores in just eight games. The expectations were heightened for Watson as well as Clemson.

Now we’re here. Seeing Watson guide his talented Clemson bunch through wins over Florida State, Notre Dame, and ultimately over the North Carolina Tar Heels in the ACC Championship game.

Want stats? I have you covered:

2015 Stats: 287 completions/413 attempts, 3,517 yards, 30 TDs, 11 INTs; 887 rushing yards, 11 TDs

After completing 83 percent and 73 percent of his passes to open the season against Wofford and Appalachian State, respectively, Watson proceeded to go into a respectable environment in Louisville and navigate the Tigers to a win on national television. The next contest was a marquee showdown the following week against the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. In what was his only game on the entire season to produce under 100 passing yards, Watson kept his Tigers in position to win which they did of course.

Not long after the ND win, Watson decided to dice up the Boston College defense to a tune of 420 yards and three touchdown. Slowly but surely, Watson’s name was getting talked about more and more. Once the Florida State matchup appeared within sight, Watson took it upon himself to leave a lasting impression to the national audience.

That he did as he tossed for 297 yards, one TD, and another 107 yards on the ground. Keep in mind that performance against FSU was on the heels of Watson carving up the defense at North Carolina State for 383 yards and five TDs.

After the FSU showdown, Watson tossed for at least 279 yards in the final four games of the regular season along with nine touchdowns. The icing on the cake was Watson filling the stat sheet with 289 passing yards and three TDs along with another 131 rushing yards and another two scores in the ACC title game vs. North Carolina. Again, producing big time on the big stage. What has aided the QB was the fact that his team was #1 for several weeks which means that with the distinct honor of being #1 are eyes that are always on you. The nation attention was for the good as well as the bad. Some wanted to see the talent unfold, while others were watching to poke and criticize. Either way, Watson was under the spotlight and showcased what he can do.

Why should Watson be the Heisman winner? At this point, the talent, the numbers, and the wins all speak for themselves.

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