Heisman Watch 2016: Week 12 players to watch

By John Buhler | Nov 17, 2016

Nov 3, 2016; Ames, IA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Dede Westbrook (11) catches pass in the end zone while covered by Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Mike Johnson (3) at Jack Trice Stadium. Oklahoma beat Iowa State 34 to 24. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) passes the ball during the first half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

2016 has not been as good as Deshaun Watson stellar sophomore campaign in 2015 for the National Runner-Up Clemson Tigers. Watson is turning pro at the end of his junior season in 2016. He is without question going in the top five of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Clemson was stunned at home last week against the Pittsburgh Panthers on a late game-winning field goal by kicker Chris Blewitt. The Tigers are still in the mix to get to the 2017 College Football Playoff as the No. 4 seed entering Week 12. However, Watson has to play some fantastic football on Saturday against the division rival Wake Forest Demon Deacons to win the ACC Atlantic. Otherwise, it will be the Louisville Cardinals playing in Orlando instead of Clemson.

On the season, Watson has completed 66.1% of his passes for 3,077 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. His yards per attempt is getting back to good at 8.0 through 11 weeks. Watson’s quarterback rating of 149.2 isn’t but a few points off his 2015 total.

Despite regressing in some capacity this season, Watson has still put together a solid Heisman resume this season. It seems like he is being asked to carry this offense more than he did a year ago. Either way, he’s going to be an NFL franchise quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, the San Francisco 49ers, or the Chicago Bears next season.

Next: Best college quarterback born in every state

Kickoff from BB&T Field in Winston-Salem will be at 7:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 19. ESPN will have the primetime ACC Atlantic kickoff.

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