Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson was named as one of the three finalists for the Heisman trophy this season, given annually to the nation's best player. Watson has to beat out Alabama running back Derrick Henry and Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey for the award, but he has a great chance to become Clemson's first Heisman trophy winner. Here are three reasons why:
3) History
A quarterback has won the Heisman trophy in every season but one since 2000, showing how much credit the voters give to the signal callers. That bodes exceptionally well for Watson, as he is the only quarterback eligible to win the award. Many have called this "the year of the running back" because of the plethora of explosive backs around the country, but the quarterback still gets the benefit of the doubt in this kind of award race.
2) Team success
Watson is the leader and best player on the No. 1 team in the country, and that has to count for something. The Tigers are the only undefeated team in the country going into the postseason, and Watson's play is the biggest reason why. He routinely made key plays in important games down the stretch, leading Clemson to narrow victories over Florida State, Notre Dame, and North Carolina. The Tigers aren't the ACC champs - or even a 10-win team - without Watson, showing you just how important he is to this team.
1) Eye-popping stats
Watson came into this season known for his rushing ability, and while he's been every bit as good on the ground, he has proven to be one of the best passers in the country as well. He's completing 70 percent of his passes for 3,512 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while rushing 887 yards and 11 touchdowns on just 163 carries. Watson has played especially well of late, throwing for over 275 yards and rushing for over 100 in four of Clemson's last five games.
You have to play well all season to win the Heisman, and while the numbers show Watson has done that, his recent surge of great games in the most critical games of the season is what separates him from the other finalists and makes him the best player in college football.
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