I wish I could say I pegged Deshaun Watson as a national championship contending quarterback from the first time he set foot on a high school gridiron.
As it was, it only took a handful of high school football games to realize the bright dawn on his horizon.
Combing through the AccessWDUN archives all the way back to Aug. 27, 2010 (back then known as AccessNorthGeorgia.com), it is clear that Watson had promise in his first varsity start for Gainesville High, going 19 of 34 for 182 yards and 71 yards rushing in a debut against a future state championship team in Buford.
It is also true, however, that Watson didn't bear mention in my game story until the eighth paragraph -- though in my defense the Wolves didn't give Watson much of a chance to shine, scoring 20 first quarter points en route to a 40-19 win.
That promise-filled beginning Watson has since turned to national superstardom reality -- game after game, pass after pass and scramble after scramble -- all the way to tonight's College Football Playoff championship in Arizona against mighty Alabama. And it is a journey that football fans here in northeast Georgia likely saw coming.
By the time of his second high school start we were already writing of his "coming-out party" in a 31-22 win over White County. And it certainly hasn't taken the rest of the nation long to see just what we raved about -- now that he's showing off his skills for millions on television rather than just hundreds or a few thousands here in northeast Georgia.
And, like his high school career, his game-by-game improvement has been evident at Clemson.
What has also cut through the glare of the television cameras, weaving its magic like one of his own linebacker-dodging touchdown runs, is a humility that few in his position display and even fewer legitimately possess.
This was also in evidence from the first interviews he gave, and -- like his talent -- never waned, never turned from a team-first attitude.
When you combine that with his God-given talents on the field, it is no wonder national media members are now buzzing about the dual-threat gun slinger with a constant barrage of stories and interviews. It is, frankly, gratifying to watch -- and we have, plenty of us, all the time wearing the knowing smile of experience.
This is not to say that those high school football followers here in northeast Georgia are like some band of bearded hipsters. No, in this case, we were truly in the know first and can watch as so many others come to the realization that this person and his performances are something truly special to behold.
We'll all be watching tonight, wishing the 2012 Class AAAAA GHSA champion the best. And, whatever the outcome, we know that the future remains bright for the still-young quarterback that has taken the collegiate gridiron by storm -- just like he did here in northeast Georgia. We have already posted the video, "A Star Was Born Here..." about the high school exploits of Watson, and we present it here again for your viewing enjoyment. Our own Katie B. Davis will also be hosting Deshaun Watson night beginning at 6 p.m. at Wild Wing Cafe in Gainesville, leading into the CFP championship kickoff at 8:30 p.m. You are cordially invited to attend the event.
