2018 was all about the journey for Lawrence

For Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, his mind was taken back to something that head coach Dabo Swinney has said numerous times—it is all about the journey.

Many people wonder what is going through a players mind when they have just finished off the first 15-0 season in the modern era of college football.

For Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, his mind was taken back to something that head coach Dabo Swinney has said numerous times—it is all about the journey.

“Just kind of thinking back, the journey, like Coach Swinney always talks about, how that experience is awesome,” Lawrence said. “but really when that experience happens, you think about how you got there and just my teammates and everyone involved and just kind of thinking back on everything and taking it all in.”

And Lawrence deserved to take “it all in.”

The true freshman put on a show for the ages against an Alabama Crimson Tide team that had been billed as the “greatest team of all time,” as he threw for 347 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Lawrence was became the first true freshman to lead his team to a national championship since 1985 and was named the offensive player of the game.

However, Lawrence admitted that even if the Tigers had not won the championship Monday night, he will never forget this team.

“That doesn't mean as much as being able to be a part of this team,” Lawrence said. “Really it's true, even if we didn't go all this way and win a National Championship, this has been a team that I'll never forget for one, and it's just been amazing, the focus and how driven this team is has been unbelievable.

“Just these seniors, just taking me in, and they kind of dragged me along until I got my feet under me, and they just -- they're awesome people as well as players.”

For Lawrence, having the opportunity to lead the Tigers to their second national championship in the last three years as a true freshman was something that he could have only dreamed of.

Last season, he was sitting as his apartment in Clemson watching the Alabama Crimson Tide defeat the Georgia Bulldogs in the national championship game—dreaming about what it would be like to play in the game.

After leading his team to the top of the mountain, Lawrence admitted that it was even better than he could have imagined.

“I mean, it was just surreal,” Lawrence said. “So yeah, it was even better. It's always great just to get another game with this group of guys. Like I said, just been an amazing year. But yeah, it was amazing. Obviously our fans were awesome, traveled well. So thank you all for that. And then yeah, just an unbelievable experience.”