Trevor Lawrence gives strong endorsement of bitter rival ahead of NFL Draft

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence had only the highest praise for Jaycee Horn, a rival cornerback from South Carolina.

Trevor Lawrence isn’t afraid to give praise when praise is due. Even to a bitter rival.

On Saturday, the former Clemson quarterback jumped on Twitter to endorse South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn.

“He’s a dawg,” Lawrence tweeted.

Considering the rivalry between Lawrence’s Clemson and Horn’s South Carolina, the nod means even more. Horn’s response proves that.

Trevor Lawrence and Jaycee Horn are big-time NFL Draft prospects

Horn has been one of the biggest winners of the NFL Draft scouting process. He ran a blazing fast 40-yard dash of 4.39 seconds at South Carolina’s Pro Day, putting himself in contention to be the first cornerback taken.

Lance Zierlein’s first Mock Draft for NFL.com actually had Lawrence and Horn both ending up with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round. However, Horn’s rising stock is likely to make that partnership less likely.

Lawrence would know what a good cornerback looks like. It was his job at Clemson to make sure no corner got the better of him.

The Tigers and Gamecocks didn’t face off in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Lawrence had the opportunity to face Horn once before. In 2019, Horn had five tackles while Lawrence and company prevailed 38-3.

Unfortunately, Horn and Lawrence didn’t battle in 2018 either. Horn suffered an injury on the first play of the Chattanooga game and missed the big game against Clemson. Lawrence had one touchdown and 393 yards against the depleted Gamecock secondary as the Tigers got another victory, 56-35.

Clemson owns a six-game winning streak over South Carolina, evening things out after a five-game streak for the Gamecocks. It’s easier to be magnanimous when your rival hasn’t made you suffer the sting of defeat.

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