CLEMSON FOOTBALL

Expect Watson's running ability to be major part of offensive plan
Watson is the second leading rusher for the Tigers with 23 carries for 118 yards on the season.

Expect Watson's running ability to be major part of offensive plan


by - Senior Writer -

Clemson fans either gasp or hold their breath when quarterback Deshaun Watson Deshaun Watson
So. Quarterback
#4 6-2, 207
Gainesville, GA

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runs the football or takes a hit, and Death Valley even grew silent when Watson fell to the grass during the win over Appalachian St.

Better get used to it, because Watson’s running ability is going to be a major part of the Clemson offense going forward.

Watson’s injury history is well known – he suffered a torn ACL in November but still managed to beat South Carolina; before that, he had missed the bulk of four games because of a broken finger suffered while using his hand to brace a fall during Clemson’s win over Louisville; prior to that, he sat out the final weeks of 2014 spring practice because of a cracked collarbone suffered in a live scrimmage. The injury held him out of the spring game and, perhaps, kept him from opening the season atop the depth chart.

Clemson’s chances of winning the ACC Atlantic and maybe even making a run at the College Football Playoff might very well hinge on Watson’s health, but the Gainesville native carried the ball 12 times for 61 yards in Clemson’s Thursday win at Louisville.

Expect to see more.

“It was good to see Deshaun getting involved in the running game. He made a difference,” co-offensive coordinator Jeff ScottJeff Scott
Co-Offensive Coordinator / WR
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said Monday. “When we spread them all out and you have a lot of weapons your quarterback can make a difference. Deshaun really brought something to our running game. They were going to stay back and force us to be patient and run the football. Their game plan was to see if we could run the ball well enough to run it all the way down or be patient.”

Watson said he knew his running would be a major part of the game plan and he was happy because he was almost pain-free after the outing.

“I knew going into the game I was going to have to run more. That is what the gameplan was about,” Watson said. “As the season progresses I am going to have be able to rely on my legs a little more. It was good to get out there and move around, especially coming off a knee injury. Me knee felt great. I didn't have any problems with it. Even after the game, my knee felt better than after the App St. game. I was comfortable with the play-calling and I was excited about what they had planned. We came out and got the victory.”

Watson said he felt more and more comfortable with each carry.

“The offensive line and the receivers did a great job of blocking and opening the holes for me and Wayne (Gallman). As I progressed throughout the game I felt more comfortable,” he said. “Each player will tell you they get more comfortable as the games goes on and they get better and better.”

Watson had a chance to break a long run early in the first half but got tripped up – much to his chagrin.

“I was a little disappointed in myself. I should have kept running and I probably could have scored,” he said with a smile. “I knew I was close. It's just getting back in the groove of things and being patient and one of those runs will turn into a long run for a touchdown one of these games. I will keep being patient and trusting my reads.”

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Subject (Replies: 29) Author
spacer New Story: Expect Watson's running ability to be major part of offensive plan
TigerNet News®
spacer Re: New Story: Expect Watson's running ability to be major part of offensive plan
davidlee1947
spacer yup***
elwyn07®
spacer This is our opportunity....
Tiger8693
spacer Re: New Story: Expect Watson's running ability to be major part of offensive plan
IrmoSleeperAgent
spacer Re: New Story: Expect Watson's running ability to be major part of offensive plan
spillermaniac
spacer Then expect Watson to get hurt.***
tigerdrummer®
spacer Re: Then expect Watson to get hurt.***
lhaselden
spacer Re: Then expect Watson to get hurt.***
ChucktownTigertown
spacer If he has a clear field and room to slide if necessary,
GrayBengal®
spacer Can't stAnd the empty backfield designed run that
jcope
spacer I wouldn't trade Deshaun for another QB, we have the Best.
HumbleServant®
spacer Please stop trying to be like Chad Morris
nkickha
spacer Ax's Michael Vick how the Running plan worked out ie broke
JumboTiger
spacer Big difference
NGATigr
spacer Deon Cain and Trevion Thompson
Prime T. Tiger
spacer Re: Deon Cain and Trevion Thompson
tgre
spacer Charone Peake
Prime T. Tiger
spacer Agree
NGATigr
spacer Re: Charone Peake
ddclemson
spacer No!!!!!!!!!!!!
surroundedtiger
spacer Me knee felt great. Me little pot of gold***
Hi Cotton Tiger
spacer Just love all of the coaches that come in here...
Tiger8693
spacer Re: Just love all of the coaches that come in here...
lextiger551
spacer ^^^ Gets it ^^^
Tiger8693
spacer This guy gets it.
TigerSilas
spacer Re: Just love all of the coaches that come in here...
ddclemson
spacer How dare they have opinions that might not be in total
surroundedtiger
spacer How To Get Hurt
BIG ORANGE
spacer Re: How To Get Hurt
RayHartFordTiger