Monday Chad Morris interview notes and video

by Tony Crumpton - Assoc. Editor - Mon Sep 22 11:52:48 GMT-04:00 2014

Speaking to the media on Monday morning, Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris defended the shotgun play call from the goal line that resulted in the snap going over quarterback Deshaun Watson Deshaun Watson
Fr. Quarterback
#4 6-3, 204
Gainesville, GA
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"If you had told me the ball was gonna sail over his head, I would have said let's get under center," Morris said. "But he didn't play under center in high school at all if any, and as of last Thursday we fumbled under center in practice setting and that has been deficiency with him"

"I didn't trust [Watson]. And to be honest, it never crossed my mind."

Morris also said there is a quarterback sneak in the system but Clemson has a system that has been successful.

"We have scored a lot of points since I've been here and we've scored a lot of touchdowns in the shotgun inside the five. That isn't going to change.

"You do what you do. Auburn led the country last year in rushing and they don't snap the ball under center. It's always easier to second guess."

Other notes

- Chad Morris says coming out after the half they expected Cole StoudtCole Stoudt
Sr. Quarterback
#18 6-4, 231
Dublin, OH
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- If Stoudt had thrown the TD pass in the first quarter then it might have been different for him.

- Cole is a competitor. He has poured his heart and soul into the program. You hurt for him.

- Morris and Stoudt talked and he is supportive of Watson. He wants to play. Wanted to play the other night. He will be ready when his opportunity comes.

- Watson was making line checks, but Morris says he is too soft spoken and that has slowed the offense down. "He has to get louder and more vocal"

- On the fumble..."we had a hat on a hat the whole way except for the safety We had a first down and the clock was running, and we were going to turn 4 loose on the next play. My mindset was we were going to go score. And then a guy gets a hand in there and it's like, 'are you kidding me?'"

- Jay Jay McCullough will start at tight end against UNC.