Lamar Jackson Vs. Deshaun Watson: College Stats Showdown

Hey guys! Ever wondered how two of the NFL's most electrifying quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson, stacked up back in their college days? Both were absolute superstars, lighting up scoreboards and leaving defenses in disarray. But who had the edge when they were college athletes? Let's dive deep into their college stats and see how these two phenomenal players compare.

Lamar Jackson: A Cardinal's Reign

Lamar Jackson's college career at Louisville was nothing short of legendary. From the moment he stepped onto the field, it was clear he was a different kind of quarterback. His dual-threat ability made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and his highlight-reel plays became a weekly occurrence. Jackson wasn't just a quarterback; he was an offensive weapon, capable of changing the game with his arm or his legs. During his tenure with the Louisville Cardinals, Lamar shattered records and redefined what it meant to be a college quarterback.

Freshman Year: A Glimpse of Greatness

In 2015, his freshman year, Jackson provided a tantalizing glimpse of the greatness to come. While he didn't immediately take over as the full-time starter, his potential was undeniable. Even in limited action, he showcased his incredible athleticism and playmaking ability.

Jackson appeared in 12 games, starting 8 of them. He threw for 1,840 passing yards with 12 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, adding 960 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns on the ground. These numbers hinted at the special player he would soon become. Although there were areas for improvement, such as decision-making and accuracy, the raw talent was evident for everyone to see. His performance against teams such as Kentucky and Texas A&M provided the fanbase an exciting glimpse of what was to come from the freshman phenom. It would be his first stepping stone into the realm of superstardom at Louisville.

Sophomore Year: Heisman Trophy Winner

2016 was the year Lamar Jackson truly exploded onto the national scene, capturing the Heisman Trophy and solidifying his status as one of the most dynamic players in college football history. His sophomore season was nothing short of spectacular, filled with jaw-dropping plays and record-breaking performances. He elevated his game to an entirely new level, becoming a dominant force that opposing defenses simply couldn't contain. Lamar became the youngest player to ever win the Heisman Trophy, adding another accomplishment to his growing trophy case.

Jackson amassed a staggering 3,543 passing yards with 30 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. What truly set him apart was his rushing ability, as he ran for 1,571 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. He became the first player in FBS history to pass for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,500 yards in the same season. His impact was felt in every game, and his ability to single-handedly carry the Louisville offense was remarkable. Some of his standout performances included a dominant showing against Charlotte, where he had 6 total touchdowns. Another would be against Syracuse, where he had 610 total yards, breaking the Louisville record. These performances, and many others, made him a household name and solidified his legacy as one of the greatest college football players of all time.

Junior Year: Continuing Dominance

In his junior year, 2017, Jackson continued to showcase his exceptional talent, proving that his Heisman-winning season was no fluke. While the team's overall record may not have been as impressive, Jackson's individual performances remained consistently outstanding. He continued to evolve as a passer while maintaining his electrifying running ability. Despite facing increased attention from opposing defenses, he continued to put up eye-popping numbers and solidify his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in college football history.

Jackson threw for 3,660 passing yards with 27 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also added 1,601 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns, once again surpassing the 1,000-yard mark on the ground. His ability to consistently produce at such a high level was a testament to his dedication and work ethic. Some notable games include a record-setting performance against Boston College. Although the team had its ups and downs, Jackson was able to show flashes of his Heisman-winning form. His consistent dominance throughout his college career cemented his status as a Louisville legend and a future NFL star.

Deshaun Watson: Clemson's Champion

Deshaun Watson's time at Clemson was defined by leadership, clutch performances, and a national championship. He was the quintessential leader, always composed and inspiring his teammates to be their best. Watson had a knack for delivering in the biggest moments, leading the Tigers to unforgettable victories. He was more than just a quarterback; he was the heart and soul of the Clemson team, a true champion both on and off the field. Watson exemplified all the characteristics that you want in your quarterback, making him one of the greatest players to ever don the orange and purple.

Freshman Year: Rising Star

In 2014, Watson's freshman year, he quickly established himself as a rising star in the college football landscape. Despite an injury that sidelined him for several games, his talent and potential were undeniable. He brought a new level of excitement and energy to the Clemson offense, injecting a spark that would propel them to future success. Watson's freshman year was a sign of the big things to come, as he showcased the poise and playmaking ability that would make him a household name in college football.

Watson appeared in 8 games, starting 5 of them. He threw for 1,466 passing yards with 14 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. While his season was cut short due to injury, he demonstrated remarkable accuracy and decision-making for a true freshman. He provided a glimpse of the elite quarterback he would soon become. Some of the more notable performances were against North Carolina and Louisville. Although his season was cut short, he set the stage for a legendary college career. The Clemson faithful knew they had a special player on their hands.

Sophomore Year: National Stage

2015 was the year Deshaun Watson emerged as a national superstar, leading Clemson to an undefeated regular season and a berth in the College Football Playoff National Championship. He showcased his incredible arm talent, accuracy, and leadership skills, earning him numerous accolades and solidifying his place among the nation's elite quarterbacks. Watson's sophomore season was a masterclass in quarterback play.

Watson amassed 4,104 passing yards with 35 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also added 1,105 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, becoming a true dual-threat quarterback. His performance in the National Championship game against Alabama, despite the loss, was legendary. He accounted for 478 total yards and 4 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stage. The sophomore campaign was defined by consistent excellence and clutch performances, setting the stage for an even more remarkable junior season.

Junior Year: National Champion

In his junior year, 2016, Watson led Clemson to the promised land, defeating Alabama in a rematch of the previous year's National Championship game. He cemented his legacy as one of the greatest college quarterbacks of all time. His performance in the championship game was the stuff of legends, as he orchestrated a game-winning drive in the final seconds to secure the victory. Watson's junior year was the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in himself and his teammates.

Watson threw for 4,593 passing yards with 41 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He continued to be a threat on the ground, adding 629 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns. His leadership and poise under pressure were instrumental in Clemson's success. Some key performances include, of course, the National Championship game, in which he threw for 420 yards and 3 touchdowns, as well as a game against Pittsburgh in which he had 580 passing yards. Deshaun's remarkable junior season solidified his status as a Clemson icon and a future NFL star.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Alright, guys, let's break down the stats and see how these two QBs compare:

• Passing Yards: Deshaun Watson edges out Lamar Jackson with 10,163 yards compared to Jackson's 9,043 yards.
• Passing Touchdowns: Deshaun Watson also leads in this category with 90 touchdowns to Lamar Jackson's 69.
• Rushing Yards: Lamar Jackson dominates with 4,132 rushing yards, while Deshaun Watson has 1,934 yards.
• Rushing Touchdowns: Lamar Jackson also takes the crown here with 50 touchdowns compared to Deshaun Watson's 26.
• Heisman Trophies: Lamar Jackson has one Heisman Trophy, while Deshaun Watson has none.
• National Championships: Deshaun Watson led Clemson to a national title, while Lamar Jackson didn't reach the same heights in the playoffs.

Conclusion

Both Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson had incredible college careers, leaving lasting legacies at their respective schools. Watson's passing prowess and national championship give him a slight edge in terms of overall team success, while Jackson's unparalleled rushing ability and Heisman Trophy make him one of the most electrifying players in college football history. Ultimately, both quarterbacks have etched their names in college football lore, and their electrifying play continues to thrill fans in the NFL. It really just depends on what you're looking for. If you like QBs that can move, Lamar is your guy. If you like a traditional QB, Deshaun fits that role a little better.