CLEMSON in the NFL

Swinney says Deshaun Watson looked like he
Swinney says Deshaun Watson looked like he "belonged" Wednesday night. (Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports)

Swinney on Watson: "You'd never know he was a rookie"


by - Staff Writer -

While Deshaun Watson’s Texans’ debut had social media abuzz Wednesday night, Dabo Swinney says there was “no big shocker” from the performance.

“He looked like he had been there for about five years,” Swinney said after Thursday’s practice. “It's Deshaun.

It's poise. You can tell he put the work in.”

Watson completed 15-of-25 throws for 179 yards and rushed for a 15-yard touchdown in extended playing time for a preseason game.

“(Watson was) just very confident - very much in command,” the Tigers head coach said. “He just has that ability to extend plays. He's faster than you think. He's just a very, very smart football player. Strong arm - maybe missed one throw or two on one of the seam throws. Got a little geeked up on that first seam ball.

“(Watson was) just very comfortable. He looked like he belonged. You'd never know he was a rookie.”

Swinney sees that trend only continuing for the Gainesville, Georgia, product.

“That's a testament to him,” said Swinney. “Whatever you think he should be, he's always going to be beyond that. He's wise beyond his years. It will continue to be that way for him. I was very proud of him.”

Swinney and the Tigers gathered Wednesday night at the Clemson football complex to watch the Panthers-Texans game, which also featured former Tigers Ben Boulware (Panthers), Carlos Watkins (Texans), Marcus Gilchrist (Texans), D.J. Reader (Texans) and DeAndre Hopkins (Texans).

“It’s always fun. I take a lot of pride in watching those guys,” Swinney said of the night.

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