Clemson QB Watson’s advice from Cam Newton: “Be true to who I am”

CHARLOTTE, NC (WCCB Charlotte) — Clemson quarterback and preseason Heisman front-runner Deshaun Watson is staying grounded.

And Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton may have something to do with it.

“We communicate all the time, text, call,” Watson said at the media-portion of Friday’s ACC Kickoff  at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte. “He gives me good advice pretty much off-the-field. Be true to who I am, listen to the coaching  staff, buy-in to the process and don’t get yourself distracted with the outside things and focus on the main things.”

Watson and Newton’s relationship blossomed during the Clemson quarterback’s junior season in high school at Gainesville High School in Georgia. Watson took part in Cam’s first ever 7-on-7 tournament.

Watson knows his mentor, Cam, may have to put his friendship aside in Clemson’s opener. Watson will lead the Tigers against Cam’s Auburn Tigers on the road on Saturday, September 3rd.

“Who knows, he probably will have a little pull (against) us in the first game.”

Watson spent the off-season beefing up. He said that his playing weight was 202 pounds last year and that he’s coming in at 218-pounds for this season. In addition to adding the muscle, Watson worked at the Elite11 High School quarterback camp alongside Super Bowl winning quarterback Trent Dilfer and quarterback guru Fred Whitfield.

Watson’s 2016 goals are simple–its about getting back to the national title game and completing unfinished business from a National Runner-Up finish in 2015.

“We have a great wide receiver core and a lot of talent coming back. A lot of potential,” Watson said. “On paper, its there. It’s something that we have to go and earn. They are not just going to go and give us 40-points because of the talent we have on our team.”