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Heisman Watch 2016: Week 11 players to watch

By John Buhler

Nov 5, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) prepares to make a pass during the second quarter against the Boston College Eagles at Boston College at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) prepares to make a pass during the second quarter against the Boston College Eagles at Boston College at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) outruns a Syracuse Orange defender on a quarterback keeper during the second quarter at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) outruns a Syracuse Orange defender on a quarterback keeper during the second quarter at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

Clemson Tigers QB Deshaun Watson

Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson is definitely getting an invite to be a part of the 2016 Heisman Trophy presentation. He’s not favored to win it, but the junior signal caller is leading the best team in the ACC to presumably another trip to the College Football Playoff.

Watson has completed 64.4% of his passes for 2,497 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. His yards per attempt (7.9), adjusted yards per attempt (8.0), and quarterback rating (149.2) could be better, but Watson is the best offensive player on one of six teams that can honestly win the national championship.

He’s not the runner that he was in previous years, but Watson will slip no further than the San Francisco 49ers at No. 2 in the 2017 NFL Draft. That really all depends on what the Cleveland Browns want to do at No. 1.

As long as Clemson keeps winning, Watson will make it to New York. He probably won’t finish better than third like he did a year ago, but a national championship and being the No. 1 overall pick in this spring’s draft are bigger accomplishments. Look for Watson to shine against the Pittsburgh Panthers on Saturday.

Kickoff from Memorial Stadium between Pittsburgh and Clemson will be at 3:30 p.m. ET. ABC will have this inter-divisional ACC matchup.

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