Skip to content

Clemson's Swinney endorses Watson on eve of Heisman decision

Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney took media questions Sunday, after the Tigers were named the No. 2 in the country and now have a date with Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl.

There's another big decision coming Monday with the announcement of the Heisman finalists, and Swinney made one last pitch in favor of his quarterback Deshaun Watson.

"Deshaun Watson is the best player. He might not have been the best player in September but he has been the best player in October, November, and December. His stats will bear that out but what he has done, it's incredible," said Swinney.

Watson threw for 288 yards, rushed for 85 more, and had five total touchdowns against Virginia Tech on Saturday.

"I think he represents everything that you could possibly want in a Heisman, he's made college football better in his three years."

The favorite to claim the Heisman is Louisville's Lamar Jackson, but Swinney points out that the two squared off and Watson's team came out on top, a result he feels should factor in.

"Lamar is a great player, too, but they went head to head. They lost three games and we lost one, by one point, and in that game our quarterback threw for 580 yards. He's just incredible."

The junior was invited to New York last year as a Heisman finalist, but finished in third position behind winner Derrick Henry and runner-up Christian McCaffrey.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox