Trevor Lawrence looking more comfortable with each play

Lawrence looks for a target Saturday (Photo by Joshua S. Kelly, USAT)

by Nikki Hood - Staff Writer - Sun Sep 16 08:01:03 GMT-05:00 2018

CLEMSON – With every passing practice, game and week Trevor Lawrence is gaining more confidence, so when his number was called to manage and win the game Saturday, he didn’t hesitate.

Lawrence – the freshman quarterback – has been splitting time with incumbent Kelly Bryant, but the elder signal caller went down with a chest bruise during the second quarter of Clemson’s 38-7 win over Georgia Southern, leaving Lawrence to lead the offense.

The Georgia native finished the day 12-of-19 for 194 yards a touchdown and an interception. Lawrence also carried the ball twice for 13 yards.

Lawrence said there was no hesitation when saw Bryant go down Saturday afternoon.

“I'm just ready to go in. I put my helmet on right when I saw him go down and went in,” Lawrence said after Saturday’s game. “I was just ready to go out there and play. It didn't really change anything except we weren't going to be rotating, so it was the same mindset for me.”

There were also no special pep talks from Clemson co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott.

“There really wasn't a lot to say other than, 'It's your series,' because he's been playing so much, Scott said. “He's got a lot of good experience and that's a positive of playing two guys. From time to time you are going to have a guy get banged up and we're not having to bring a cold guy off the sideline. It allows you a little bit more flexibility.”

Because Lawrence has split time with Bryant during the early part of the season, he said his confidence has in himself and the system has grown exponentially.

“We're getting a little bit more confident. We've been pretty confident,” Lawrence said. “Individually, I felt pretty confident coming into the season but it's definitely grown a little bit just getting used to everything already having played a home and an away game. I'm feeling better. I feel like I'm maturing as far as just handling a situation and knowing the situations. I feel like I'm maturing in those areas.”

However, Scott and the other offensive coaches Lawrence is capable of even more.

“I know he missed one throw to Renfrow that he knows he can make, but I thought he did a good job,” Scott said. “I think he's the one that threw that ball on third down. We hit Ross. There's a lot of timing in that type of route and play. He sat in there and made that throw. We're very confident in Trevor. He continues to do a good job. He'll continue to get better just like Kelly.”