CLEMSON in the NFL

(USA TODAY Sports-Shanna Lockwood)
(USA TODAY Sports-Shanna Lockwood)

Hopkins sees 'best duo in the NFL' with Watson


by - Staff Writer -

DeAndre Hopkins has lofty goals for the Houston Texans' Clemson connection on offense.

Deshaun Watson is working his way back - but ahead of schedule - in his return from a torn ACL this offseason. Over six-plus games last season, he connected with Hopkins for seven of the sixth-year pro’s league-leading 13 touchdown receptions. Over the first two months of the season, Watson was tied for the NFL-lead in passing touchdowns (19) and earned AFC offensive player of the month for October.

“I expect us to be the best duo in the NFL, honestly,” Hopkins said Tuesday in Houston. “That’s my goal. I’m pretty sure that’s his goal. If we have those goals, I’m pretty sure it’s going to help the team get where we want to get to. Expectations? Sky’s the limit with what that kid can do.

“Myself, I’ve only been played (just) receiver since college. Not even my whole life. I don’t think I’ve reached the peak at my position and Deshaun would say the same about himself.”

Hopkins, a first-team All-Pro in 2017, set a franchise-record with the 13 TDs and led the NFL in both targets (174) and receptions of 25 yards or more (17), ranking third in 100-yard efforts (five) and fourth in overall yards (1,378).

Watson is in offseason conditioning now and is expected to participate some once OTAs (organized team activities) start May 21. He said he’s “very confident in the work” he has put in this offseason. He is also confident he won’t have to change his game to prevent further serious injury.

"My game's not changing," Watson said, via ESPN. "Whatever you (saw) last year is going to be the same, if not better. I've dealt with adversity before, had injuries before. I didn't let that slow me down. It just changed my attitude about the game.

"A lot of people would think that I'd come back hesitant, but I'm going to make sure I come back more forceful and with a stronger and more intense attitude."

Texans coach Bill O’Brien has talked this offseason about a revamped playbook being installed to fit his young QB’s skillset. Watson is eager to learn more in his sophomore campaign.

“I’m very excited,” Watson said. “Just the potential that I have. And the work that I’ve been putting in. And just the knowledge of playing football and being a professional quarterback. There’s so much more I can learn and will learn, especially over these nine weeks and leading into training camp and into the season.

“I only played six and a half games last year. I’ve only had a sniff of what I can learn, so next year will still be new experiences and new opportunities for myself to grow. I’m just looking forward to the new things I will learn and will be able to see.”

Ultimate Level LogoUpgrade Your Account

Unlock premium boards and exclusive features (e.g. ad-free) by upgrading your account today.

Upgrade Now
Comment on this story
Print   
Send Feedback to Brandon Rink: Email | Comment
4-star lineman picks up Clemson offer on visit
4-star lineman picks up Clemson offer on visit
WATCH: Clemson coordinators talk spring progress, break down latest scrimmage
WATCH: Clemson coordinators talk spring progress, break down latest scrimmage
No. 2 Tigers take on Hurricanes
No. 2 Tigers take on Hurricanes
PHOTO GALLERY: Clemson 72 Baylor 64 (NCAA 2nd Round)
PHOTO GALLERY: Clemson 72 Baylor 64 (NCAA 2nd Round)
Post your comments!