Nick Saban: Clemson QB Kelly Bryant may be better runner than Deshaun Watson
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Alabama and Clemson are getting set to face each other for a third straight season, but both teams look a bit different this time around.
One of the biggest differences for this year’s matchup has to be the absence of former Clemson QB Deshaun Watson. Watson had a prolific career with the Tigers and capped off his collegiate career by throwing the game-winning touchdown in the national championship last season.
Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide certainly saw a lot of Watson up close. He definitely knows the challenges that Watson presented which makes his praise of current Tigers QB Kelly Bryant noteworthy.
In a Friday press conference, Saban commented that Bryant may be an even better runner than Watson, if that’s possible.
Alabama beat reporter Chandler Rome shared Saban’s comment:
Nick Saban on Clemson: "The quarterback now may be a better runner, if that's possible, than the guy we played the last two years."
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) December 16, 2017
Bryant does have 646 yards rushing and 11 TDs this year in addition to his work through the air. Watson was certainly a more prolific passer while also rushing for 600 yards in a season twice. However, Bryant is certainly a talented player that presents plenty of issues for the Tide defense.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
