CLEMSON QUARTERBACK STILL IN HEISMAN TROPHY MIX …
Clemson University junior quarterback Deshaun Watson is one of three finalists for the 2016 Davey O’Brien award – which is presented annually to the top quarterback in college football.
Watson won the award in 2015 as a sophomore. He also won the Manning Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s best quarterback following the completion of the postseason schedule.
Watson’s competition for this year’s O’Brien award consists of Lamar Jackson of Louisville and Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma – two quarterbacks he has out-dueled in head-to-head matchups in the past.
Watson, Jackson and Mayfield are also among the top contenders for the 2016 Heisman Trophy – presented annually to the best player in college football.
Heisman ballots were sent out this week to 929 voters – 870 members of the media, 58 former winners and one fan. Each voter submits three names – ranked in order. Each first-place selection is awarded three points, each second-place selection gets two points and each third-place selection receives one point.
Where is Watson on your ballot?
A 6-foot-3, 215-pound Gainesville, Georgia native, Watson has amassed 705 completions in 1048 attempts for 8,849 yards and 77 touchdown passes during his Clemson career. All told, he has 10,579 yards of total offense and 98 touchdowns.
This season, Watson has connected on 279 of 420 passes for 3,279 yards and 28 touchdowns. His 66.4 completion percentage ranks ninth best nationally while his 28 touchdown throws rank sixth-best. Watson has also rushed for 422 yards and four touchdowns.
Over the past three seasons, Watson has compiled a 28-3 mark as a starting quarterback – including back-to-back wins over arch-rival South Carolina.
(Banner via Travis Bell Photography)