I’m not sure if it’s the flowing dreadlocks out the back of the helmet, or maybe it’s the fresh orange and purple trim on his No. 2 jersey, or perhaps it’s just simply the mind blowing speed. Whatever it is, Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins has Swag, and lots of it.

Through seven games this season, the 18-year-old frosh has carried his team to an undefeated record in the ACC. 728 yards, 46 receptions and 8 touchdowns can and will turn a few heads, especially when the season is still relatively young. I know freshmen are not supposed to win the Heisman, especially freshmen who don’t play quarterback, but Sammy may very well be the best football player in the country as we speak. A polished machine a la Andrew Luck he is not, instead Mr. Watkins presents his audience with unadulterated athleticism on every play from scrimmage.

We all remember Charles Woodson from Michigan back in the day. He too rocked the No. 2 jersey and blew opponents away with his speed. As it turned out, Woodson was a defensive back by trade, but dabbled at receiver and punt returner enough to win the 1997 Heisman Trophy en route to a Rose Bowl victory. When you watch Sammy Watkins play here in 2011, the comparisons to Woodson are inevitable. The ball control, the knack for the dramatic, the agility and of course the speed are all there.

Last weekend against Maryland, the Tigers of Clemson were down 35-17 at one point, only to come storming back on the wings of Sammy and his three touchdown performance. Before you could blink, Watkins had hauled in two fine catches in the corner of the end zone along with a dramatic 89 yard kick return for a touchdown. It was the kind of performance that makes frat guys spit out their lite adult beverage while they’re watching the 2am SportsCenter. Just play, after play, after play, all with the greatest of ease.

After announcing his presence with such authority over the first part of this season, it is a wonder to think that Watkins grew up in Fort Myers, Florida. When you grow up balling that hard in the “FLA” you are destined to go to “The U” or FSU. No exceptions. Watkins, however, ended up on a recruiting visit to Clemson’s down-home South Carolina campus and fell in love with how quiet it was. For an adolescent who grew up getting into his fair share of trouble, young Sammy knew better than to take his talents to South Beach.

As fate would have it, Watkins is tearing through the ACC and bringing his fellow Tiger’s along for the ride. There is no question that No. 2 will be an NFL stud in the near future, maybe even lining up against the aforementioned Woodson for a down or two. But for now, I recommend we all buckle our seatbelts and take in the “Sammy Watkins Show-The College Years” while we still can.