Clemson’s Watson ready for spotlight
Beckman out as volunteer at UNC
CLEMSON, S.C. — Deshaun Watson doesn’t need much more than his tight circle of family, friends and teammates when prepping for the season, even one where the Clemson quarterback could very well be the face of college football.
Watson led the Tigers to a 14-0 record, an ACC championship and the national championship game before falling to Alabama 45-40 in the title contest in January.
Watson, who threw for 405 yards and four touchdowns in an eye-popping performance against the Crimson Tide, became the first FBS player to throw for 4,000 yards and rush for 1,000. His poise, calm demeanor and transcendent ability have him a Heisman Trophy favorite and Clemson a championship contender set for a return to the College Football Playoffs.
“I don’t really have to say a whole lot to ‘D-Dub.’ He’s dialed in,” coach Dabo Swinney said. “He’s just a guy that’s hungry to be the best.”
He’ll try to guide the secondranked Tigers, who start Sept. 3 at Auburn, to the title — and do it with the glare of the spotlight following his every move.
“I feel good. I’m confident and comfortable,” Watson said. “I trust my guys.”
Watson, at 6-foot-2, 216 pounds, has an eye on the NFL. He is widely considered the likely overall No. 1 pick in next year’s draft.
Watson has purchased $5 million in catastrophic injury insurance, allowable by NCAA rules. Mentally, he’s ready to soak it in what could be his final college season.
“I knew the role and the expectations that come with” playing quarterback, he said. “It’s nothing I can’t handle.”
NORTH CAROLINA: North Carolina says former Illinois coach Tim Beckman is out as a volunteer assistant with the 22nd-ranked Tar Heels.
Beckman and three school officials said in statements issued Thursday night by the school that Beckman — fired by Illinois last year amid allegations of player mistreatment — would not continue in that position.
Chancellor Carol Folt said she didn’t learn of Beckman’s role with the team until Wednesday, and was “surprised and disappointed.”
The announcement came a day after head coach Larry Fedora and school officials first disclosed Beckman’s appointment as a volunteer assistant, allowing him to interact with players but not instruct them as a coach.
Beckman said he appreciated the opportunity but added that “I do not wish to be a further distraction.” VIRGINIA TECH: Junior college transfer Jerod Evans will be Tech’s starting quarterback in the opener against Liberty. Evans beat out redshirt
senior Brenden Motley and freshman Josh Jackson for the job. NEBRASKA: Receiver Brandon Reilly and safety Nate Gerry will be suspended from the Cornhuskers’ season opener against Fresno State on Sept. 3.
Coach Mike Riley on Thursday announced the seniors are being disciplined for violating unspecified team rules. Reilly was arrested for drunken driving in March and pleaded guilty.
TCU: Kenny Hill has been named the starting quarterback for No. 13 TCU.
Horned Frogs coach Gary Patterson said Thursday that Hill, the Texas A&M transfer, will start his TCU debut Sept. 3 at home against South Dakota State after competing with sophomore Foster Sawyer for the starting job.
FLORIDA: Cornerback Jalen Tabor and tight end C’yontai Lewis have rejoined the team after a weeklong suspension.
Coach Jim McElwain suspended both players for fighting in practice, saying neither will play in No. 25 Florida’s opener against UMass next week.
AUBURN: Sean White will open this season like he finished the last one: as Auburn’s starting quarterback. Coach Gus Malzahn proclaimed White the winner of the threeman race over Jeremy Johnson and junior college transfer John Franklin III after Thursday’s practice. White will start Sept. 3 against No. 2 Clemson.