Watson Weighs In: Q&A With the QB

Following Wednesday’s situational scrimmage, starting quarterback Deshaun Watson dropped by for a brief Q&A on how August camp has progressed. Watson discussed his return to the practice fields after an injury-plagued freshman season, the quarterbacks and playmakers around him, and his overall expectations entering the 2015 season.

By Rachel Eagleton // Athletic Communications

Q: How did it feel being back on the field with your teammates during the scrimmage today?

DW: It felt good, just to come back on the game field and be back at it again; go out there and just cut loose. The first scrimmage was pretty good. We’ve got a lot to fix, but it is always a learning process.

Q: What kind of things do you think the team should further assess now that you’ve gone through some situational drills on the field?

DW: Just really go back and watch film, correct the negatives and fix the little things and focus on them as well. We just need to make sure we are all on the same page, so that we can execute on Saturdays.

Q: While you were sitting out, what strengths did you see in some on the other quarterbacks?

DW: That they are fast learners, they learn from other people’s experiences. They are all great athletes and make great decisions. It was great to be a coach on the sidelines, and see them play and learn from them as well.

Q: What restrictions are placed on you since you are wearing a knee brace? Will you continue to wear the knee brace all season?

DW: Yeah, I’m going to wear it throughout the season but there are no restrictions for me. Coach (Dabo) Swinney is going to cut me loose on Saturdays and let me play ball like I have before.

Q: Was there a specific moment when you realized “Hey, I’m back. I am actually doing this”?

DW: Really, when we were doing workouts in the summer, the speed and agility (came back). Going out there with my teammates and cutting up with them, just letting me be free. It really wasn’t anything in practice, I knew in the summer.

Q: You have an extremely talented offense at your disposal this year. What are your thoughts on spreading the ball out on the field this season?

DW: My thoughts are very high. I have a ton of talent all over the place and my job is pretty easy. I have to just make the right decision, get those guys the ball and let them go to work. For me, I just put everyone in the right place and then get the ball there, and let them make plays.

Q: What reservations do you have heading into the year after being hurt twice in your freshman season?

DW: None at all. I am just going in with high hopes and high expectations for the team and myself. I don’t listen to all the negative stuff that is going on or the hype. I just take it one game at a time and focus on Clemson. Everything else is going to take care of itself.

Q: What is your best advice to players who have to rehabilitate from injuries throughout their seasons?

DW: Just stay focused. Don’t get complacent or get down on yourself. Keep grinding every day and try to come back harder or better than you were before.

Q: Now that you’re back, what are you most looking forward to this season?

DW: Just being out there on Saturdays and having fun with all of the fans and my teammates; just being loose and playing the game.