ACC Football 2018 Preview: Can anyone stop Clemson?

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 02: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers accepts the ACC Football Championship trophy from ACC Commissioner John Swofford following the Tigers' victory over the Miami Hurricanes at Bank of America Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

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CLEMSON, SC – APRIL 14: Trevor Lawrence (16) looks to throw a pass during action in the Clemson Spring Football game at Clemson Memorial Stadium on April 14, 2018 in Clemson, SC..(Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Freshman of the Year: Trevor Lawrence, Clemson

No freshman enters the ACC with a bigger reputation than the Tigers’ signal caller. Lawrence has a legitimate chance to beat out Kelly Bryant to start the season as Swinney’s No. 1 quarterback. Even if he doesn’t win the job Week 1, expect him to ultimately steal Bryant’s job before the season gets serious for Clemson.

Lawrence has an absolute cannon for an arm. He’s got the passing talent to open up the Tigers offense again. Lawrence isn’t the same running threat that Bryant is, but his ability to sling the ball downfield will remind Tigers fans of Deshaun Watson.

The only thing that can prevent Lawrence from winning this award is if he doesn’t get enough snaps. Clemson’s coaching staff is sending clear signals they want to give him meaningful playing time this season, but if he isn’t the guy within the first couple of games he won’t put up enough statistics to win the honor.

In the end, Bryant just isn’t going to be dynamic enough to keep Lawrence at bay. Look for him to play things too close to the vest early in the season and to give way to the gun-slinging freshman. Lawrence has the talent to become a legend in Tiger Town. The only real question is when he will take the reins of this talented offense.