Lamar Jackson Vs. Deshaun Watson: College Stats Compared

Hey guys! Let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of two phenomenal quarterbacks: Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson. Both of these athletes made waves in college football and have continued to shine in the NFL. We're going to break down their college stats to see how they stack up against each other. Get ready for a detailed look at their performances!

Lamar Jackson: A Record-Breaking Sensation

Lamar Jackson, hailing from the University of Louisville, burst onto the college football scene with an electrifying style of play. His dual-threat capability made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Jackson's college career is defined by his incredible athleticism, arm strength, and sheer ability to make plays when it mattered most. From the moment he took the field, it was clear that he was a special talent. Let’s delve into his remarkable stats and accomplishments.

Freshman Year (2015)

In his freshman year, Lamar Jackson showed glimpses of the brilliance that was to come. While he didn't start every game, he made his presence felt. His ability to run and pass created immediate challenges for defenses. He completed 135 of 247 passes for 1,840 yards and 12 touchdowns. On the ground, he rushed for 960 yards and 11 touchdowns. These numbers, though not as eye-popping as his later seasons, were a clear indication of his potential. It was evident that with more experience, he would become a force to be reckoned with.

Sophomore Year (2016)

2016 was the year Lamar Jackson truly exploded onto the national stage, earning him the Heisman Trophy. This season was nothing short of spectacular. He threw for 3,543 yards and 30 touchdowns, completing 56.2% of his passes. But what set him apart was his rushing ability. He ran for an astounding 1,571 yards and 21 touchdowns. Jackson became the youngest player ever to win the Heisman, and his highlights were all over sports channels. His performance wasn't just about stats; it was about the electrifying plays he made, leaving defenders grasping at air. This season solidified his status as one of the most dynamic players in college football history.

Junior Year (2017)

In his junior year, Lamar Jackson continued to impress, proving that his Heisman-winning season was no fluke. Despite defenses focusing on stopping him, he consistently delivered high-level performances. He passed for 3,660 yards and 27 touchdowns, showcasing his improved accuracy and decision-making. On the ground, he added another 1,601 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. Although he didn't win another Heisman, his consistency and continued improvement demonstrated his dedication to the game. Jackson left Louisville as a legend, with his name etched in the record books. His impact on the program and the city was immeasurable, and he paved the way for future dual-threat quarterbacks.

Deshaun Watson: A Clutch Performer

Deshaun Watson, the star quarterback from Clemson University, is known for his poise under pressure and remarkable leadership skills. Watson led the Clemson Tigers to a national championship, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level. His college career is marked by consistent excellence, clutch performances, and an unwavering determination to win. Watson's impact on Clemson's football program is undeniable, and he will always be remembered for bringing the national title back to Death Valley. Let’s examine his college stats and see what made him such a standout player.

Freshman Year (2014)

As a freshman, Deshaun Watson immediately made an impact, displaying a maturity and composure beyond his years. He quickly took over as the starting quarterback, demonstrating his arm talent and ability to read defenses. Despite missing some time due to injury, Watson threw for 1,466 yards and 14 touchdowns in just eight games. His completion percentage was an impressive 67.9%. Even as a freshman, Watson exhibited the qualities of a seasoned veteran. His performance laid the foundation for what would become an illustrious college career.

Sophomore Year (2015)

In his sophomore year, Deshaun Watson truly emerged as a superstar, leading Clemson to an undefeated regular season and a spot in the National Championship game. He threw for 4,104 yards and 35 touchdowns, showcasing his incredible arm talent and accuracy. Watson also added 1,105 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground, further demonstrating his versatility. He won numerous awards, including the Davey O'Brien Award and the Manning Award. Although Clemson lost to Alabama in the National Championship, Watson's performance was nothing short of heroic, cementing his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.

Junior Year (2016)

Deshaun Watson's junior year culminated in the ultimate triumph: a national championship victory over Alabama. In a rematch of the previous year's title game, Watson led Clemson to a thrilling 35-31 victory, throwing for 420 yards and three touchdowns. Throughout the season, he passed for 4,593 yards and 41 touchdowns, setting numerous Clemson records. Watson's leadership and poise were on full display as he guided the Tigers through a challenging schedule. He once again won the Davey O'Brien Award and the Manning Award, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Clemson history. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver in the clutch made him a legend in the eyes of Clemson fans.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Now, let's get to the juicy part: a direct comparison of Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson's college stats. It’s important to consider not just the raw numbers, but also the context of their performances and the different styles of play they brought to the game.

Passing Stats

• Lamar Jackson: 604 completions on 1,095 attempts (55.1% completion rate) for 9,043 yards, 69 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions.
• Deshaun Watson: 814 completions on 1,203 attempts (67.7% completion rate) for 10,163 yards, 90 touchdowns, and 32 interceptions.

Watson clearly has the edge in completion percentage, passing yards, and touchdowns. His accuracy and ability to make quick reads allowed him to excel in Clemson's offense. Jackson, while not as accurate, possessed a stronger arm and the ability to make throws that few other quarterbacks could make.

Rushing Stats

• Lamar Jackson: 655 carries for 4,132 yards and 50 touchdowns.
• Deshaun Watson: 470 carries for 1,934 yards and 26 touchdowns.

Jackson's rushing stats are significantly higher, underscoring his dual-threat ability. His speed, agility, and vision made him a nightmare for defenses to contain. While Watson was also a capable runner, his primary focus was on passing the ball. Jackson's rushing prowess added a unique dimension to Louisville's offense, making him one of the most exciting players to watch in college football history.

Accolades and Achievements

• Lamar Jackson: Heisman Trophy (2016), Maxwell Award (2016), Walter Camp Award (2016).
• Deshaun Watson: National Championship (2016), two-time Davey O'Brien Award winner (2015, 2016), two-time Manning Award winner (2015, 2016).

Jackson won the Heisman Trophy, the most prestigious individual award in college football. Watson, on the other hand, led his team to a national championship, the ultimate team achievement. Both players received numerous other accolades, highlighting their exceptional talent and impact on their respective programs. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and leadership abilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson had remarkable college careers, each leaving an indelible mark on their respective programs. Watson stands out for his passing stats, completion percentage, and a national championship under his belt. Jackson, however, shines with his record-breaking rushing numbers and a Heisman Trophy. Choosing one over the other really comes down to preference: do you value passing accuracy and leadership, or electrifying dual-threat ability? Either way, both quarterbacks have proven their worth and continue to impress at the professional level. Their college performances will be remembered for years to come, inspiring future generations of quarterbacks. So, whether you're a fan of Jackson's dazzling runs or Watson's clutch throws, you can appreciate the incredible talent that both of these players brought to the game. It's always fun to debate and compare, but at the end of the day, we're lucky to have witnessed their greatness on the college stage!