The Heisman Final Word: Watson does last interview before announcement

Watson and the finalists pose with the trophy

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Sat Dec 10 19:13:38 GMT-04:00 2016

NEW YORK, NY – How was Deshaun Watson in the final minutes leading up to the Heisman Trophy announcement? Just like he is on the football field – calm and composed.

Watson and fellow Heisman finalists Baker Mayfield, Lamar Jackson, DeDe Westbrook and Jabrill Peppers met with the media before the Heisman ceremony Saturday evening at the Marriott Marquis, and Watson said he was not worried about the results but instead was enjoying the experience.

“I’ve enjoyed my whole career. It’s been a blast. I feel like I got to college yesterday,” Watson told TigerNet. “Just having the opportunity to travel a little bit and take my mom places she thought she would never go and to hang out with these guys is amazing. I am just taking it all in and enjoying it.”

Watson said this week’s schedule – he was in Atlanta Thursday night and Baltimore Friday night before arriving in New York Saturday morning – has been extra special because he’s shared it with his mom Deann and Aunt Sonia.

“It's pretty good. It's fun. I know they're having a great time,” Watson said. “Sometimes they get exhausted so they just go to the room and sleep, but at the same time just being able to see and meet new people is just awesome. It's good to be able to take my mom and my aunt places they never thought they'd be able to go.”

Once the award circuit finishes with Saturday’s ceremony, Watson will turn his attention to Ohio St. and Clemson’s spot in the College Football Playoff and that he can’t wait to celebrate with Clemson’s fans.

“It's always good. It's a special time and a special opportunity for us” he said. “We don't want to just get back and play in it. We want to go back and finish the deal. We came up short last time. We feel like we have the confidence, the players and the depth and the preparation to get there and to finish it. I'm just going to wait until I get back home to watch film. I was thinking about putting it (his tablet) in my suitcase, but I told myself to just enjoy it and not make it bigger than what it is. I just want to enjoy the moment and have fun with this because this is once in a lifetime and this opportunity may not come back again.

“They're the best fans in the country. I've enjoyed every home game and even the road games. Road games seem to feel like home games most of the time with all of the fans that support and travel with us.”

Watson declined to admit that his college career is finished this season and once again said he hasn’t made a final decision.

“No. Not so much (the Heisman and national championship won't factor into the decision). It will just be how I'm feeling, what my heart is telling me and if I really need to move on,” Watson said. “None of that stuff will affect anything. I don't know (what percent as far as leaving or coming back). I can't give that away. We'll just have to see on that.”

He also will prepare to graduate next Friday.

“It's exciting. I finished my last class this week,” Watson said. “I have my cap and gown and my tassel and everything prepared for graduation. I'm excited to walk and see all of my family and friends there and be done with school.”

Finishing up his final minutes with TigerNet, Watson said whether he wins the award won’t define his career or the careers of the other finalists.

“I'm just going with the flow. Last year I was just nervous because I didn't know to expect but this year I'm just laid back and going with the flow,” he said. “Whoever wins it, deserves it. The Heisman Trophy doesn't define me or it doesn't define any of these players, and they'll tell you the same thing. It's an award that everyone recognizes as being one of the best players of the year in the country. We'll just kind of keep doing what we're doing and see who wins tonight.”