Clemson Football’s 10 Most Valuable Players in 2014
By Dan Kelley
Nov 22, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) talks with former Clemson Tigers quarterback Tajh Boyd (right) during the fourth quarter at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Tigers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
In his true freshman season, Deshaun Watson showed that the only person capable of stopping him might be Watson himself.
When he was on the field, Watson was simply outstanding. Watson came to Clemson as the No. 1 dual-threat QB in the 2014 recruiting class so, naturally, expectations were high. But Watson surpassed all reasonable predictions about how good he could be.
The numbers speak for themselves: Watson threw for 1,466 yards, 14 touchdowns, and just two interceptions on 93-for-137 passing (68%). He averaged more than a first down per pass attempt (10.7 yards) and finished with a QB rating of 188.6. He also added 200 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
That 188.6 QB rating was better than what the last three Heisman winners achieved in the years they won the award, including Marcus Mariota’s this season. Johnny Manziel won the Heisman with a QB rating of 155.3 and Jameis Winston won it with a 184.8 rating.
If Watson can reproduce those kinds of numbers across an entire season in 2015, he will almost certainly be the next Heisman winner.
But the other big story of Watson’s season were the injuries. First he broke a bone in his hand during the Louisville game. Then he sustained a knee injury in his first game back, against Georgia Tech.
So looking ahead to 2015, the big question facing Clemson football is can Watson stay healthy? If not, the Tigers may be in for a disappointing season. But if Watson does manage to stay on the field all year, the sky is the limit. College Football Playoff or bust.
(Video courtesy of
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