Clemson freshman worries W.Va.

Associated Press

MIAMI

When Sammy Watkins first arrived on Clemson’s campus last summer and reported for a workout with other incoming freshman receivers, quarterback Tajh Boyd sent him out for a pass.

“I told him to run a post route, and I threw it and thought I overthrew him,” Boyd said. “But his speed was so ridiculous. I was like, ‘It doesn’t get any better than that.”’

That completion offered a hint of things to come in the ensuing months. Watkins set a school record with 1,153 yards receiving, was chosen a first-team All-American and helped the Tigers earn their first major bowl berth in 30 years.

Clemson (10-3) will face West Virginia (9-3) in a chilly Orange Bowl tonight, and Watkins is the player who most concerns the Mountaineers.

“Clemson’s offense runs through Sammy,” defensive back Eain Smith said. “You eliminate Sammy’s big plays, you eliminate their offense.”

Well, not entirely. Boyd set school records for yards passing, passing touchdowns and total offense. First-team All-American Dwayne Allen won the John Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end. Andre Ellington has rushed for 1,062 yards and 10 scores.

But everyone agrees the 18-year-old Watkins was the primary catalyst for a team that scored at least 35 points eight times. His first touchdown came 26 seconds into the season, and he finished the year with 12 scores, 77 receptions, 229 yards rushing and a kickoff return average of 26.3.