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Who is Deshaun Watson’s backup?

By Cody Williams

Sep 17, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Nick Schuessler (12) looks to pass during the second quarter against the South Carolina State Bulldogs at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Nick Schuessler (12) looks to pass during the second quarter against the South Carolina State Bulldogs at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Taking a look at Deshaun Watson’s backup for the Clemson Tigers after the quarterback left with a shoulder injury vs Syracuse

Entering the 2016 college football season, Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson was the early-favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. Moreover, the signal-caller for the Tigers was also widely considering the top-quarterback for the 2017 NFL Draft. While things may have changed slightly in both regards after nine weeks, he’s still the heart of the Clemson offense.

Unfortunately, the Tigers might be without their heart for some time. During their Week 10 matchup with the Syracuse Orange, Watson left the game in the second quarter with a shoulder injury.

Prior to the injury, Watson was torching the Orange on Saturday in Death Valley. In under a full half of work, he’d already gone 13-of-16 for 169 yards and two touchdowns though the air. He also added 39 yards rushing and another score, just to make sure to assert his dominance. Now, though, they could be without that.

Subsequently, Clemson fans (and college football fans, too) have to be wondering who the man under-center will now be for the Tigers. Who is the backup for Deshaun Watson?

The answer there is redshirt senior Nick Schuessler. Despite his tenure, Schuessler has very limited game experience with the Tigers. Coming into Saturday’s game, he’d only thrown 45 passes with the Tigers. Admittedly, he was solid in those limited attempts, completing 29 of his throws for 356 yards with one touchdown and only one interception.

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Schuessler also came in and delivered a solid start to his relief of Watson to end the first half. He went 4-of-7 for 84 yards and a touchdown after coming in as the backup. Obviously he’s not the same prolific player either through the air or with his feet that Watson is. However, it’ll certainly be interesting to see how the Tigers fair with the backup on the field.

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