CLEMSON FOOTBALL

Watson in Top 5 of ESPN's Heisman Watch

Watson in Top 5 of ESPN's Heisman Watch


by - Assoc. Editor -

ESPN released its latest Heisman Watch with its Experts' Poll this week, and Clemson sophomore quarterback Deshaun Watson is listed as the #5 player on the list.

Deshaun Watson had an impressive individual performance in leading his #1 ranked team to a 37-27 road victory over Syracuse on Saturday.

Watson was 34 for 47 passing for 360 yards and two touchdowns with an interception and also rushed 13 times for 101 yards. It was his second straight 100-yard rushing game of the season and he is the second player in school history (Tajh Boyd) to pass for 350 yards and run for 100 yards in a single game.

"If Heisman voters truly gravitate toward the best offensive player on the nation's best team, Watson's case could ultimately prove to be a strong one," ESPN stated. "No. 1 Clemson has defeated its past five opponents by double digits, and Watson has provided over 400 yards of total offense in four of the Tigers' past five wins."

His 461 total offense on Saturday was the highest total of his career, and he is now 14-1 (GT 2014) as Clemson's starting quarterback.

He also climbed into fifth place in Clemson history with 37 career touchdown passes ahead of Nealon Green, who had 35.

He has completed 70.1% of his passes for 2593 yards and 23 touchdowns and only 8 interceptions for a QBR of 85.6 on the season. He also has 598 yards rushing with five scores.

The full list of Heisman candidates on ESPN's Experts' Poll include RB Derrick Henry (#1), QB Baker Mayfield (#2), RB Ezekiel Elliott (#3), Leonard Fournette (#4), QB Deshaun Watson (#5), RB Dalvin Cook (#6), RB Christian McCaffrey (#7), WR Corey Coleman (#8), QB Luke Falk (#9) and QB Keenan Reynolds (#10).

The ESPN experts consist of Andrea Adelson, Edward Aschoff, Brian Bennett, Rece Davis, Travis Haney, Chris Low, Ivan Maisel, Ted Miller, Mark Schlabach and Jake Trotter.

The Heisman announcement is on Dec. 12 in New York.

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