Notre Dame's Russell: Clemson's Watson not a top-five quarterback

Clemson star sophomore quarterback DeShaun Watson was voted the ACC’s Preseason Player of the Year and is second in the conference in touchdown passes so far this season, but Notre Dame cornerback KeiVarae Russell isn’t impressed.

After the No. 6 Fighting Irish rolled past UMass on Saturday, Russell said he didn’t think Watson was a “top-five quarterback” and that he “saw some weaknesses” in his play.

“I watched the Louisville game," Russell said, according to Tigernet. "I saw some weaknesses in that game for sure. I seen some strengths, as well. They are a good team. I think Deshaun Watson manages the game well.

“I’ve played against quarterbacks better than him, I’ve played against quarterbacks that weren’t as good as him ... He’s not overly superior, I don’t think he’s like a top-five quarterback in the country, I think he manages the game extremely well, and does what the offense asks of him. He doesn’t do too much, but he does enough for him. I don’t think he’s a top-five quarterback, but he’s a good quarterback, though.”

On the season, Watson has completed 74.4 percent of his passes for 641 yards and seven touchdowns.

The two players will meet this weekend when the Fighting Irish (4-0) head to Death Valley to take on No. 12 Clemson in a primetime matchup beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

(h/t Tigernet)