Nick Saban believes that Clemson QB DeShaun Watson – who shredded the Tide for 405 yards passing and four TDs, plus 73 yards rushing in the National title game – is “the best player in college football since Cam Newton.”
Nice compliment. Accurate compliment? Let’s quickly look at the best 5 college football players since Cam ripped through the SEC and delivered Auburn a title. And this isn’t a slight to any defensive players.Two of these players did not win a Heisman.
Andrew Luck, Stanford: Only played one year after Cam left, but his numbers were eye-popping – 71% completions, 3,517 yards, 37 TDs and 10 INTs. Led the Cardinal to one of the greatest seasons in school history.
Marcus Mariota, Oregon: Three years as a starter at Oregon, won a Heisman, threw 105 TDs and just 14 INTs. Was it the system, or the QB? (You could say the same about Watson.) As a junior, led the country in QB rating and yards-per-attempt. Lost in National title game to Ohio State.
Jameis Winston, FSU: From just a football perspective, he was 26-1 with his only loss to Mariota’s Ducks. Won a Heisman. Yes, the Seminoles were loaded, but this 2-year run (albeit in a weak conference) was impressive.
Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M: Don’t let his off-the-field flame-out in the NFL impact what he did with the Aggies. Beat the Tide in Tuscaloosa as a redshirt freshman. Won a Heisman. For the “What Might Have Been” files.
Todd Gurley, Georgia: Injuries and autographs ruined part of his career, but his talent was undeniable. In three years at Georgia, he rushed for 3,285 yards and 36 TDs. Returned two kicks for TDs, and caught another six TD passes. Go talk to NFL teams – Gurley is considered the best running back to come out of college football since Adrian Peterson.
from The Big Lead http://ift.tt/2ac81NR
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