The 5 Best Quarterbacks in Clemson Football History
By Ben Greeson
1. Deshaun Watson (14′-pres)
I struggled with this pick. I don’t like to list current players in a “best of” article. Watson’s story, his legacy, his accolades are still being written.
The, what have you done for me lately, plague is all we hear and see now in college football. I didn’t want Watson being my number one QB to be a product of that.
Yes, he’s good and yes he’s here now, but let’s be real with ourselves for a minute. Have you ever seen anyone like him? And I’m not man-crushing here. Have you ever seen a kid come in day one, at the quarterback position nonetheless, and absolutely dominate the way he has? I’ve been watching college football for over 20 years and I’ve never seen it.
The first glimpse we got of Deshaun Watson was versus the University of Georgia, in Athens, Samford Stadium, August 30th, 2014.
There were 90+ thousand fans packed into that stadium and it was the hottest day I think I ever remember. With Clemson losing 14-7, the opening drive of the 2nd quarter Coach Swinney handed the keys to the Clemson franchise to a kid from Gainesville, GA.
Deshaun marched the Tigers down the field and dropped a perfectly placed ball into the hands of Cherone Peake for a 30 yard touchdown. The first of many in his career.
And a star was born.
A freak accident broken finger versus Louisville sidelined Watson for a few games that season. In his return from that injury, he tore his ACL against Georgia Tech in a non contact, again, freak accident.
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That sidelined Watson the rest of the season until one cold day in November. It was the Saturday after Thanksgiving in 2014 when a legend took flight. Sporting a big bulky knee brace, Watson led the Tiger offense, heck, the entire Tiger nation in a win against the Gamecocks.
The first win in five seasons for the Tigers against their in-state rivals. Watson, on one leg, went 14-19 for 269 yards and 2 touchdown through the air and added two more scores on the ground. Let me reiterate that. ON ONE LEG.
The 2015 season was a magical season for the Tigers, well documented I know. The undefeated regular season, the ACC Championship, the Orange Bowl win, the #1 ranking, the National Championship Game appearance, the Heisman invitation. Magical.
Watson finished the season with impressive numbers. 4,104 yards passing with 35 touchdowns. He ended up with 68% completion percentage. Impressive. Watson also added 1,105 yards and 12 touchdowns rushing. Both Clemson single season records.
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I could go on and on about Deshaun Watson. His accuracy, arm strength, his speed. The most impressive thing about Watson however, is the six inches between his ears. The speed at which he can processes information is astounding. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for, who is in my opinion, the best quarterback to ever Rub the Rock.