Watson Wins O?Brien Award

ATLANTA – Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson was the recipient of the Davey O’Brien Award on Thursday night. The award was the first presented at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

Watson is the first recipient of the honor from Clemson and the first Tiger to win a national position award since Dwayne Allen won the Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end in 2011.

Watson will depart for New York City on Friday morning, where he will be one of three finalists for the Heisman Trophy.

Watson was the ACC Player of the Year and the Most Valuable Player of the 2015 ACC Championship game. Earlier, he was named a first-team All-American by USA Today. 

The sophomore from Gainesville, Ga., ranks third in the nation in completion percentage and is ninth in the nation in total offense. He is the only player in the nation with at least 800 yards rushing and 3,500 yards passing. He has 30 touchdown passes and 11 rushing for 41 total touchdowns, fifth in the nation.

“I was a little nervous right before they made the announcement,” said Watson, who was surrounded by family from nearby Gainesville. “It is special to be the first player from Clemson to win this award. It is a great honor.

“I want to thank my family, my coaches and teammates at Clemson. It is special to represent Gainesville and Clemson University. My life has been changing every day recently. These are moments I will remember for a long time.”