Watson ranked #1 in USA Today's Heisman Watch

by Tony Crumpton - Assoc. Editor - Wed Sep 07 14:22:27 GMT-05:00 2016

Clemson junior quarterback Deshaun Watson was ranked #1 on USA Today's Heisman watch released on Wednesday.

"Watson wasn’t at his best in Clemson’s opener, throwing an interception and averaging less than two yards per carry, but still led the Tigers to a very solid road win against Auburn," USA Today said. "We know the numbers will be there for Watson — picture around 5,000 yards of total offense, give or take. Beating Auburn maintains his spot atop the Heisman heap."

Watson finished the game completing 19-for-34 passes for 248 yards with a passing touchdown and an interception for a quarterback rating of 121.0. He also had 11 rushing attempts for 21 yards.

The Top five in the Heisman watch were QB Deshaun Watson, RB Christian McCaffrey, RB Nick Chubb, QB Greg Ward Jr., and QB J.T. Barrett.

Watson completed 333 of 491 passes for 4,104 yards and 35 touchdowns and also had 207 rushes for 1105 yards and 12 scores last season. His 5,209 yards of total offense and his 47 total touchdowns were ACC records, and his rushing total was a record for a Clemson quarterback.

His 487 yards of total offense set a record for a National Championship game, and he is the first quarterback in FBS history to have at least 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in a single season.