McShay's 2011 Freshman Rankings - Sammy Watkins Clemson Football Player Update

McShay's 2011 Freshman Rankings

by TigerNet Staff - Tuesday, December 13, 2011 5:24 PM

Sammy Watkins
Pos: WR Height: 6-1 Weight: 205 Hometown: Fort Myers, FL (South Fort Myers HS) Years Played: 2011 - 2013

From Todd McShay of ESPN:

1. Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins
Fr. Wide Receiver
#2 6-1, 200
Fort Myers, FL
View Full Profile WR6-1180
Key stats: 77 rec | 1,153 yds | 11 TDs | 15.0 avg

Analysis: The game seems to come easily to Watkins, who is remarkably well-developed for a freshman. He is physical and shows the ability to break tackles after the catch, and he is also a smooth athlete with good top-end speed. Watkins will occasionally fight the ball on some shorter pitch-catch opportunities, but overall his hands are strong and he shows the ability to make difficult catches in traffic -- and does a great job of tracking the deep ball. He's missed nearly two full games due to injury, so offseason flexibility and weight training will be important, but his production is outstanding for a first-year player.

2. Jadeveon Clowney DE6-6254
Key stats: 33 tackles | 6.0 sacks | 2 FF

Analysis: Clowney will continue to get bigger and stronger, but he already looks like a grown man in pads, has an outstanding frame and is well-proportioned for his age. He's not an elite speed rusher but shows the versatility to rush off the edge as well as inside. Clowney shows good closing burst to the ball carrier and can hit like a truck, and while he is still learning how to use his hands and needs to play with more consistent gap discipline, Clowney has the physical tools to develop into a high draft pick two or three years from now. He is already highly productive in the SEC.

3. Aaron Lynch DE6-6265
Key stats: 28 tackles | 4.0 sacks | 5 TFLs

4. Isaiah Crowell RB5-11215
Key stats: 847 rush yds | 4.7 avg | 6 total TDs

5. De'Anthony Thomas RB5-9160
Key stats: 440 rush yds | 8.3 avg | 571 rec yds | 13.6 ypc | 16 total TDs