Felder on Deshaun Watson: “ Clemson fans don’t worry about that health”
Under a month to fall camp (and under eight weeks to kickoff), there’s still a degree of anxiousness when it comes Deshaun Watson’s health status. One analyst who saw him work at the Elite 11 camp this past week says the former 5-star QB looks as good as ever.
“I got a chance to see Deshaun Watson. I’ll tell you the first thing Clemson fans shouldn’t worry about,” Bleacher Report’s Michael Felder said. “Is he healthy? I think absolutely. This is a kid that moves around and is so fluid. So smooth. Taking his drops. Quickness in drops. And he’s got the arm, leg strength to push off and deliver the football with velocity. I think that’s a big plus for him.
“Clemson fans don’t worry about that health because he certainly looks good right now when I watch him throw.”
Watson told ESPN earlier in the week that he’s still waiting for the all-clear to practice, but doesn’t expect any issues there.
Felder says Watson was performing through a gauntlet in Oregon.
“Seeing him go through all the drills, in shape to go through all the high-pressure drills where they’re running and they’re moving – that’s a big plus for Tiger fans,” said Felder. “This is a kid that’s going to be in New York City with an opportunity to win a Heisman trophy. I’m saying it right now in July.
“With Deshaun Watson at the quarterback spot, not only does Clemson have a guy that’s going to be in contention for a Heisman Trophy, but I think they’re the favorite to win the ACC.”
Watson’s sample-size figures are off the charts, but his surrounding cast makes ‘Heisman’ and ‘championship’ goals that more viable.
“A kid that can spin, a kid that obviously has the opportunity to put the ball in his receivers’ hands – and you talk about receivers, Clemson may have the best group in the country,” Felder said. “Seeing him healthy is the key here and seeing him do the things we know he can do. Putting the football on the money and making it easy for people to catch it – I love watching him play.
“Getting a chance to see him in person – it makes me feel real good about penciling in the Tigers to Charlotte for a chance to win an ACC Championship.”