Scott Would like to Sign Lawrence to an Eight-Year Contract
CLEMSON—Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence has had to endure a lot of criticism as a sophomore.
The preseason pick to win the Heisman Trophy, and nearly every other individual offensive award, has been forced to listen to the national media criticize his every play. All while leading the Tigers to a perfect 7-0 start to the season.
His ability to block out the noise and the negative comments surrounding his play is something that has impressed the Tigers' coaching staff.
"I think that's one thing that's been impressive," co-offensive coordinator Jeff Scott said. "I mean you really don't want to go through kind of what we've gone through with throwing some of the interceptions that we've thrown. But, the way that he's responded, during those moments. And Coach Swinney, that's a big challenge, is okay, bad things happen. That was really bad. Now what happens after that? I think after the two interceptions that he threw, he went nine for nine, on his next nine throws.
"Now, we don't want to make a living of having to get into that, and then come out of it. But I would just say, I haven't seen out of... He really didn't have much adversity at all last year. Kind of coming off the bench, becoming the guy, and really everything went his way, which is not real world at any level, for any player."
While Lawrence has been thrown under the bus, had the bus backed up and run over again by the national media, the facts show a different side to his play in 2019.
Compared to former Tiger Deshaun Watson's sophomore season (2015), Lawrence has seven more completions (121 to 114) on the exact same number of attempts (190). Lawrence also has a better completion percentage than Watson (63.68 to 60). Watson threw for more yardage by only 32 yards (1566 to 1534) and had one less interception (7 to 8) and one more touchdown (15 to 14).
And the Tiger offense, as a whole is playing better than they did in 2015.
As a team, the 2019 Tigers have gained more yards (1802 to 1766), have more passing touchdowns (16 to 15), more passing yards (1802 to 1766, have 38 less rushing attempts, but are gained 239 more yards (1731 to 1492). The Tigers are averaging 1.56 more yards per rush (6.39 to 4.83), have two more rushing touchdowns (19 to 17) and have 275 yards more offense (3533 to 3258) on 25 less plays (504 to 529).
Even with a few untimely interceptions and few untimely bad decisions, the Tigers still believe in their quarterback because they have seen how hard he works.
"I think, that's something that's been very impressive with the way that he's handled that," Scott said. "And I know he works extremely hard. It'd be one of these things if he wasn't working hard in practice, or was lazy here and there. But, he's working extremely hard, and he just got to learn from some of the situations that he's been in, and understand it's okay to check that ball down every once in a while.
"Sometimes that's hard to sit there and just go check it down. But that's what you got to do. Kind of manage some of the situations a little bit better. But, he's been coached just like every other player, but there's not any concern whatsoever in our building, or anything like that."
For the Tigers, even with some of his perceived struggles of Lawrence, would still take him over every other quarterback in America.
"We'd take him over any quarterback in the country," Scott said. "I wish we could sign him up for about an eight year contract right now. We'd do it."
