PINEHURST, N.C. — Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson was selected by the ACC media as the preseason player of the year.
Watson will lead a Clemson offense that also returns talented wide receivers Mike Williams and Artavis Scott. The Tigers, who have won at least 10 games each of the past four seasons, seek their 15th ACC championship and first since 2011.
Watson led the preseason ACC Player of the Year balloting with 69 votes, followed by 2014 ACC leading rusher and Player of the Year James Conner of Pitt with 46. Georgia Tech quarterback Justin Thomas placed third with 13 votes,
Injuries sidelined Watson for part of his freshman season, but the Gainesville, Georgia native still threw for 1,466 yards and 14 touchdowns against only two interceptions in 330 snaps over eight games (five starts). He also made his mark as a rushing threat with 200 yards and five touchdowns on 63 carries.
Watson finished last season ranked first in Clemson history in passing efficiency and completion percentage by a freshman, as well as first in school history in passing yards, passing touchdowns and total offense by a first-year freshman.
ACC Player of the Year Votes
1. Deshaun Watson, Clemson – 69
2. James Conner, Pittsburgh – 46
3. Justin Thomas, Georgia Tech – 13
4. Jalen Ramsey, Florida State – 7
5. Brad Kayaa, Miami – 7
6. Marquise Williams, North Carolina – 6
7. Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech – 6
8. Tyler Boyd, Pittsburgh – 3
9. Jacoby Brissett, NC State – 1