Deshaun Watson was a highly coveted recruit coming out of high school. He was rated as the fourth-best player in the state of Georgia and the top dual-threat quarterback in the country. Alabama defensive coordinator and newly minted Georgia head coach Kirby Smart recalls how hard Alabama was going after him in 2014.
"We wanted him; we wanted him bad. I can't remember who the offensive coordinator was when he came out, but I think we were in a changeover somewhat...But we offered him and thought a lot of him, thought very highly of him."
Watson is from Gainesville, Georgia which is about 45 minutes from Athens where Smart will be coaching this coming season. "I think you always go after in-state kids that are that talented," Smart said. "He's certainly a talented player and certainly a difference-maker. He's made a difference in Clemson's program for sure."
The Crimson Tide and Tigers play for the title of best college football team in the country on Monday with a kickoff at 8:30 p.m.
