Lawrence believes that Tigers are further along than they were last season

It is scary to think that the Clemson Tigers could be better offensively than they were last season. But that may be the case.

CLEMSON— It is scary to think that the Clemson Tigers could be better offensively than they were last season. But that may be the case.

In terms of balance, Clemson’s 2018 campaign joined the 2015 season as one of only two in school history to feature 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards. Clemson, Oklahoma and UCF were the only FBS programs in the country to average at least 245 yards passing and 245 yards rushing per game in 2018.

The balance was reflected not only in the team’s run/pass production, but also in the sheer number of players who contributed to the team’s scoring output. A school-record 22 different players scored touchdowns for the Tigers in 2018. 

But, according to the person charged with leading that dynamic offense, the Tigers are better off this year than they were last season.

"I think just the confidence from having a year under my belt, and also just getting to know all of these guys," quarterback Trevor Lawrence said. "We've grown really close this offseason and this summer. Now getting out here in camp, that's what it's about, growing together. I feel like we're doing a really good job of that. It's the first day out here on the grass and I thought we had a good day.

"I just feel like we are a little more prepared this year, even just timing of receivers and stuff, O-line, more continuity in the O-line. I just feel like we're a little bit ahead of where we were."

Lawrence burst onto the scene last season, as he completed 259-of-397 passes for 3,280 yards with 30 touchdowns and four interceptions in 15 games (11 starts). 

A repeat performance in 2019 would make Lawrence only the third quarterback in Clemson history with multiple 3,000-yard, 30-touchdown campaigns, joining Tajh Boyd (three) and Deshaun Watson (two).

"The sky's the limit for our group," Lawrence said. "You saw last year kind of us start clicking, and I think that's one thing where we are picking up where we left off from last year. Having those guys back is really awesome having that continuity with the whole offense. We didn't lose many guys, we lost a few really good players, but we also have a ton that have been prepared and waiting for their time."

After a year like Lawrence experienced last season, Lawrence finds himself drawing similarities to Watson in another area—being the Heisman Trophy frontrunner.

Entering the 2016 season, Watson found himself being named the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, but failed to take home the trophy given to the nation's top individual player.

But even as a sophomore, Lawrence is not buying the hype—instead he will take another golden trophy over one made of bronze.

"It’s not really one of my goals. It would be awesome if it happened,” Lawrence said. “That would be something as a little kid that you dream of but first things first, I want to win a national championship. I think that’s our team goal. If it comes with it, then that’s awesome but I’m just going to do my job, do what I’m supposed to do and see how it plays out.”

Lawrence is not the only Tiger listed as one of the top prospects to give Clemson their first Heisman Trophy winner in school history, as running back Travis Etienne is listed with the seventh-best odds.

But even though it may be easy to let the talk get to them, for Lawrence this time of the year that is all that it is—talk.

 "At this point in college football there is so much talk that it is hard to ignore," Lawrence said. "People say crazy stuff and then it all takes care of it in the end. People before the national championship game were saying all kinds of stuff, like we shouldn't be there and we didn't have a chance. All that stuff, so it will all play out. And also, we're not on social media so that helps limiting those distractions."

While the nation is getting their fill of Trevor-mania, Lawrence is focused on going out and trying to win his job all over again.

"You still got to prove it every day," Lawrence said. "Just because I ended up being the starter last year, doesn't mean I have that right every day and every week. But just also being that guy there for my teammates, being that same guy, not taking practices off."