Dabo Swinney says Deshaun Watson is 'laser focused' after long year

On3 imageby:Matt Connolly03/31/22

MattConnollyOn3

CLEMSON — It has been an eventful few weeks for former Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Watson won’t face criminal charges for the lawsuits filed against him ranging from sexual assault to sexual harassment during massage sessions.

Less than a week after that news broke, Watson was traded to the Cleveland Browns after informing the Texans that he wanted to end up with Cleveland.

Watson then agreed to a 5-year, $230 million contract that is fully guaranteed.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney was in contact with Watson regularly throughout this process, he revealed Wednesday night.

“I’m happy for him, super excited about his opportunity,” Swinney said. “I’ve talked to him a lot over the past couple of weeks. This just shows a lot of confidence [Browns owner] Mr. [Jimmy] Haslam and his family have in Deshaun.”

While Watson will not face criminal charges, he could still be suspended by the NFL as the league has not yet announced what punishment, if any, Watson will face.

Watson sat out all of last season due to the allegations against him. In 2020 — the last season Watson played — he passed for a career high 4,823 yards with a career high 33 touchdowns.

The Texans struggled to a 4-12 record that season, though.

“You don’t show up and start your first game in the NFL if you’re not ready,” Swinney said. “He’s been amazing every time he’s been on the field, and heck, he probably had his best year with his least personnel that he probably had available last year.”

Watson is entering his sixth season in the NFL after a record-setting career at Clemson.

He was a two-time Heisman finalist during his time with the Tigers and led Clemson to the 2016 national title — its first since 1981.

Watson turned pro following his junior season in 2016 but has remained close with Swinney during his NFL career. Swinney added that he is thankful he was able to be available for Watson to talk to over the past few weeks.

“Just trying to give him some guidance on what was going on the last couple of weeks, encouraging him. Just trying to give him some good counsel. He’s in a good place. It’s been a long, long year for him, for sure. I think he’s grown a lot. He’s been really good, but I think he’s laser focused. Just excited to see him have the opportunity to get back to work and people get a chance to hear him a little bit,” Swinney said.

“It was fun to kind of be a part of it with him and glad to see him get back to being involved and ready to move forward. He’s going to do great.”