SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Carlos Watkins perked up in his chair.
Clemson’s All-American defensive tackle was asked a question about Ohio State’s do-it-all offensive dynamo Curtis Samuel, and he made it clear Samuel had the attention of the Tigers’ defense.
“That guy is a speedster, man. He’s a really great athlete,” Watkins said. “We’ve got to keep an eye out on him at all times.”
Samuel is so dynamic for the Buckeyes because they utilize him in a number of different ways. He lines up in the backfield, out wide at receiver and in the slot. Ohio State will surely do whatever it can to make sure he gets as many touches as possible during its Dec. 31 matchup against Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl.
“He’s everywhere,” Tigers defensive coordinator Brent Venables said.
Like Watkins, Venables had plenty of praise for Samuel, who finished the regular season with 822 receiving yards, 704 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns. The Brooklyn, New York native is the only player in FBS to have at least 700 rushing and receiving yards.
“He can do it all and you just don’t see that very much in college football,” Venables said. “We don’t have that guy on offense. … I’m not sure that we’ve seen any other single player like him this year.”
Clemson safety Jadar Johnson had some interesting comments about Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett on Tuesday. Most of the Tigers' defensive players who met with reporters, however, couldn't have made it more clear how impressed they were with Samuel and how the Buckeyes utilize him.
“He’s the best player on their offense so we’ve got to find out where he’s at on the field,” Watkins said. “You’ve got to know where he’s at at all times.”
“That’s kind of one of our main things: We’re going to be aware of where he’s at every single snap,” linebacker Ben Boulware added. “We realize he’s one of the most explosive and talented athletes in the country and we know that they love to get him the ball.”
