Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson to miss rest of spring (collarbone)

Deshaun Watson was the top recruit in Clemson's 2014 class. (Mark Crammer/Anderson Independent-Mail/AP)

Clemson freshman quarterback Deshaun Watson, perhaps the favorite to replaced departed star Tajh Boyd under center, will miss three weeks due to a cracked collarbone, Dabo Swinney told reporters Monday.

The injury, which Watson suffered during Monday's scrimmage, does not require surgery but will keep the early enrollee out of the Tigers' spring game on Saturday. Swinney said Watson should be back by the start of summer workouts.

"He played the entire scrimmage," said Swinney. "I am not really sure when he suffered the injury and I was not aware of it until after I met with the media after practice. This is a shame because he was having an outstanding spring. Fortunately this is not a serious injury. I hate that he will miss the Spring Game. I know a lot of people were anxious to see him make his debut in Death Valley. But he will be fine by the time summer workouts start again in May. He does not require surgery."

Watson had been competing with quarterbacks Cole Stoudt and Chad Kelly for the right to replace Boyd. But given the high expectations that came with Watson's five-star status, most eyes had been focused on the Gainesville (Ga.) High product this spring.

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