CLEMSON in the NFL

Brian Spurlock - USA Today Sports
Brian Spurlock - USA Today Sports

Watson on being NFL rookie: "I have to put the time in, pay my dues"


by - Assoc. Editor -

Former Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson was selected #12 in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft by the Houston Texans to eventually be their franchise quarterback. However, The Texans aren't just going to give their starting job to Watson as needs to learn the entire playbook, fully understand their complex NFL offense, and build chemistry with the coaching staff and his teammates.

“It takes experience and each day is an opportunity for me to improve on that, get comfortable in the position and just continue to learn,” Watson said via ESPN recently.

Watson knows that he has to put the time in to get better just like any other profession.

“I want to be mentally sharp when I step on the field,” Watson said. “I want to be able to operate the offense [and] be able to come out here and execute at a high level. I have to put the time in, pay my dues, so when I come out here I’m ready and I can show what I have.”

In 2016, Watson completed 388 passes out of 579 attempts for 4593 yards and 41 passing touchdowns with 17 interceptions for an adjusted QBR of 84.9. Watson is third in ACC history in total offense (12,094), behind only NC State’s Philip Rivers and Boyd. He threw for 10,163 yards and 90 career touchdowns.

Veteran journeyman Tom Savage is currently the No. 1 quarterback on the Texans' depth chart.

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