Prize Clemson quarterback DeShaun Watson will miss the remainder of spring practice due to a “slight” crack in his collarbone, coach Dabo Swinney said on Monday. Swinney wasn’t sure when Watson was injured over the course of Clemson’s scrimmage, but said the injury won’t require surgery or affect Watson’s status for summer workouts and fall practice.
“This is a shame because he was having an outstanding spring,” Swinney said, via Clemson’s official website. “Fortunately this is not a serious injury. I hate that he will miss the Spring Game. I know a lot of people were anxious to see him make his debut in Death Valley.”
Watson was rated by Rivals as a five-star recruit, the top quarterback, the No. 2 player from the state of Georgia and the No. 31 overall player in 2014’s recruiting class. He enrolled in Clemson early to get a head start on trying to beat out Cole Stoudt and Chad Kelly, so missing the final three weeks of spring practice may ding those chances a bit.
Watson committed to Clemson on Feb. 1, 2012 -- so over two years before his class’ signing day -- and chose the Tigers over offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia and Ohio State, among others.