Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama attempted to recruit Deshaun Watson

Published Jan. 7, 2016 12:33 p.m. ET

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Clemson owes much of its offensive success to quarterback Deshaun Watson, who of course finished third in the Heisman voting this season. The sophomore had an outstanding season as he helped the Tigers reach the National Championship but could you imagine how good Alabama would be with Watson at QB? 

It almost happened.

“We wanted him, we wanted him bad,” Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart said Wednesday. “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.”

Judging by his comments, Smart is likely staying up at night scheming up ways to slow down Clemson's quarterback in anticipation for the title game. The Tide coordinator sees a mix of three excellent former quarterbacks his defense has struggled to stop in recent seasons. 

“I would definitely say he’s unique,” Smart said. “He’s almost like a mixture of three guys. Nick Marshall was a perimeter runner - Deshaun runs well on the perimeter. Johnny Manziel was a great athlete who made plays in space - so does Deshaun. This guy runs more power run game like you’d say Cameron Newton does. Obviously, he’s not the same stature as Cam, but he runs some of the similar plays that Auburn ran with him.

“So the mixture of those three guys, he takes a little from each one. And he can pass the ball. I watched this guy all through high school, and he is a phenomenal player. He has the "it" factor and (his teammates) believe in him. That’s pretty important at that position.”

If only the Crimson Tide had convinced Watson to play for them, Smart would likely be sleeping better this week.

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