Watson and Lawson Semifinalists for National Awards

Clemson, S.C.—Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson has been named a semifinalist for he Maxwell Award and defensive end Shaq Lawson has been named a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award.  Both awards are presented by the Maxwell Football Club of Pennsylvania.

The Maxwell Award is presented to the collegiate player of the year and the Bednarik Award goes to the outstanding college defensive player of the year.

Each award has 20 semifinalists.  The winner of the award will be announced on December 10 at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on ESPN. This year’s broadcast will come from Atlanta and the College Football Hall of Fame.

Watson is second in the nation in quarterback rating and eighth in passing efficiency so far this year.  His 70 percent completion mark is also fifth in the nation and he has guided the Clemson offense to an average of 41 points per game.    His career passing efficiency rating of 176.1 is second best nationally among all active players.

The sophomore from Gainesville, Ga.  led Clemson to a 56-41 win last week at NC State where he completed 23-30 passes for 383 yards and five scores. He also ran for 54 yards and a touchdown. 

Lawson, a junior from Central, S.C., has helped Clemson to a number-five ranking nationally in total defense.  He has 45 tackles on the season, including 14.5 for loss and 6.5 sacks.  He has had at least one tackle for loss in every game this year.

Clemson is one of nine schools nationally to have a semifinalist for both awards. The other schools are Baylor, Michigan State, Florida State, Ohio State, LSU, Alabama, Southern California and Notre Dame.