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Deshaun Watson is the best college football player since Cam Newton

By Paul A. Esden Jr.

Nov 14, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) passes the ball during the fourth quarter of a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Clemson won 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) passes the ball during the fourth quarter of a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Clemson won 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson is a Heisman hopeful entering the 2016 season and could be the best the game’s seen since Cam Newton.

The Clemson Tigers were a few plays away from a national championship last season and the player that led them there was Heisman hopeful, Deshaun Watson. After his magical 2015 season, the hype is real for the future NFL pro.

On Friday, college football guru, Phil Steele, joined ESPN Syracuse’s afternoon show, Orange Nation to break down a variety of topics. When asked about Watson’s expectations for the 2016 season, Steele didn’t hold anything back.

“Deshaun Watson is the best college football player since Cam Newton”, that’s about as high of praise as you can receive. Steele wasn’t the first one to say these comments as Alabama head coach Nick Saban got a first-hand look at the versatile player in the national championship game.

Saban reiterated the same thing, now for Watson the surprise factor won’t be there. Watson will have to do it with everyone watching, but that will be when he shines brightest.

No one has ever had the rare combination of size, power, and speed that Watson possesses. As Steele said in his interview, NFL teams are salivating at the possibility of drafting this talented prospect.

So let’s talk about the comparison, Newton led Auburn to a national championship over Oregon and has since dominated in the NFL, winning the MVP and leading the Carolina Panthers to the Super Bowl last year. In Newton’s lone season at Auburn in 2010, he averaged 203.9 yards per game through the air, had a deadly accurate 66.1 completion percentage and 50 combined touchdowns.

That’s the mark for Watson to reach, last season he was a better passer than Newton was in college. Watson had 1,250 yards more passing yards and he was arguably a more efficient runner than Newton was as well.

More saturday blitz: NFL Draft 2017: Top 32 Prospects

Watson’s 47 touchdowns last season was close to Newton’s mark and he has some of the best weapons in the country around him like Mike Williams, Artavis Scott and Deon Cain. Much like Newton, many expect Watson to be the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Like Newton, many expect Watson to be the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

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