Deshaun Watson sees Clemson orange before training camp starts

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson arrived in White Sulphur Springs, WV for his second training camp, and was greeted with some fans wearing a familiar color.

The Houston Texans/Clemson Tigers started training camp on Thursday at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, WV and former Tigers players DeAndre Hopkins, Deshaun Watson, D.J. Reader and Carlos Watkins were in attendance.

Even though the former Tigers are far from Clemson, SC, they were quickly reminded by a handful of fans that there is some orange in the mountains of West Virginia.

“It’s awesome. When we got off the bus, yesterday, walking into the hotel. It was cool to see the orange, to see all the support and the love. It just brings me joy to know that they’re still following me and following all the other guys from Clemson University.” He also told the media, “We got so much love from that university and so much support. It’s awesome and it’s one big family.”

Watson is one of a few Texans’ players returning from season-ending injuries, and he will be watched closely by Houston fans and fans across the country. He suffered an ACL right knee injury in practice on Nov. 2, 2017 and is practicing without a knee brace. Besides his knee, Watson will get even more attention this camp because he is now the starting quarterback.

“Honestly, it’s the same mentality that I had last year. Regardless, Tom(Savage) was the guy going into camp last year. I still prepared myself as if I was the starter and each and every day with every rep I got, I took full advantage of it.”

Watson said although he might be the starter now, it doesn’t make him bigger than the guys behind him and he works to get better by, at least, one percent every day and make sure his teammates are getting better. He talked about being a leader and how astrology contributes to his leadership skills.

“I’m a natural leader. I’m a serving leader. I put the team before myself. I put everybody before myself,” he continued. “That’s just how I am. I’m a Virgo and that’s what Virgos do.”

Going into camp, he is considered to be 100 percent without any limitations. The second year pro said the process to get healthy included early mornings, late nights and times he didn’t want to get up, and he thanked his teammates and the Texans’ training staff for helping him perserve. Watson also said that he feels good but knows he still has more work to do.

“And, the process isn’t done now,” he told reporters, “I’m going to continue to train and rehab throughout the training camp and throughout the season.”

Before his injury, Watson completed over 61 percent of his passes for 1,699 yards with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also rushed for 269 yards on 36 carries with two touchdowns.

Houston, Clemson and some football fans, in general, are all hoping Watson can avoid injury this year, and they get to see more from one of the most exciting players in the NFL.