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Ranking the 50 best college football players for 2016

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws the ball in the third quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws the ball in the third quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

You could say the expectations were lofty for Deshaun Watson heading into his freshman season for the Clemson Tigers. It was the year after All-ACC quarterback Tajh Boyd went on to the NFL and Cole Stoudt was named the starter to begin the year.

Watson took over in the middle of the season, but injuries forced him out for the rest of 2014. He was tremendous in his short time on the field, starting five games and passing for 1,466 yards, 14 touchdowns just two interceptions while completing 68 percent of his passes.

As the full-time starter in 2015 with no backups to really challenge him for the No. 1 QB spot, Watson felt even more at ease and his numbers were proof of that. He passed for 4,104 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions while, again, completing 68 percent of his throws.

It’s hard to believe he was just a sophomore last year. He led the Tigers to the national title game against Alabama and the big stage didn’t seem to phase him one bit. He threw for 405 yards and four touchdowns against the Crimson Tide’s elite defense.

Clemson might just have a Heisman Trophy winner and the national title in the same season.

Next: 1. Leonard Fournette

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