On Wednesday, Alabama head coach Nick Saban called out former Gainesville High standout and current Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson.
But not for the reasons you may think.
Saban, in an interview with ESPN, called the rising junior, who finished third in the 2015 Heisman Trophy voting and was seconds away from leading the Tigers to a College Football Playoff championship over Alabama in January, "the best player in college football since Cam Newton."
Considering Newton is a former National Champion and played for a Super Bowl crown back in February, any comparisons to the former Auburn Heisman winner (2010) should not be taken lightly. And Saban should know.
The title-winning coach saw Newton in person. He also saw Watson up-close-and-personal in the CFP game in which the former Red Elephant shredded a stellar Crimson Tide defense for 405 yards passing and four touchdowns while also running for another 73 yards. The only thing that slowed Watson down at the end was the clock, as Alabama held on for a 45-40 win.
During the interview, Saban said he knew ahead of time of Watson’s running ability. But, holding his hands about a foot apart and with a look of astonishment on his face, Saban also said of Watson’s passing ability: "He could get the ball into spaces about like this."
Saban also looked a little envious. The Crimson Tide will be working on their third starting quarterback in as many seasons in 2016. Watson, meanwhile, will enter the campaign as one of the veteran starters in the nation after soaring into the starting lineup as a freshman.
"I don't care who we start at quarterback. He ain't going to be that good,” Saban said about his options compared to having just Watson.
Watson will likely get a chance to address Saban's comments when the 2016 ACC Media Days convene in Charloitte, N.C., Thursday and Friday.
Meanwhile, Gainesville coach Bruce Miller -- who helped mold Watson's superstardom over four years as a starter for the Red Elephants -- said that if Saban believes it, everyone else would do well to follow suit.
“Saban has seen a lot of good football players. He got to see Deshaun in person that night, and I’m sure he was impressed,” Miller said. “Saban is a very upfront, honest person. He wouldn’t say it if he didn’t believe it.”
However, did Miller agree with Saban’s assessment of “best player in college football?”
“I think Deshaun is truly one of those special players. I have seen what he can do on a daily basis. I think he’s the best player out there, but I may be biased a little,” Miller said. “I’ll say this, though. Deshaun could play in any system. I believe that. But he is a perfect fit for the spread system they run at Clemson.”
Does that mean outside of the spread Watson may be just another one of those “great college quarterbacks” that won’t be able to adapt in the pros?
“I don’t think so,” Miller opined. “Deshaun has adapted to his surroundings and personnel since he started in high school. He has that ability to make those around him better. That’s what he did (at Gainesville).
“I think no matter where he goes (in the pros) he’ll do very well. He sees things out there that others can’t. That’s why he is so dangerous with the ball in his hands. But the best part of his game is his mental toughness. He just doesn’t get rattled out on the field.”
Asked if there was anything that could rattle Watson, Miller said there was just one.
“If his mama got mad at him. He loves his mama and would do anything to please her,” Miller said.
