Sammy Watkins: Fab Freshman Will Cement Heisman Contender Status in Orange Bowl

Of all the freshmen in college football this season, Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins may have been the most spectacular.

In his first year in college ball, all Watkins has done is rack up 77 receptions for 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns. On top of that, he's a legit returning threat, returning a kickoff for a touchdown this season.

Watkins is not only blazing fast, but also he runs tight routes reminiscent of an upperclassman. He also has outstanding field awareness and the ability to adjust to poor throws and reel in catches. In fact, he is so highly-regarded that some NFL draft experts feel like he could be a first-rounder...if he declared this year.

Watkins has had eight games of 80 yards or more this season, including five games of 100 yards or more. On top of that, he's been amazingly consistent in terms of scoring, catching at least one touchdown pass in eight of his 12 games. Against a solid pass defense in Florida State on Sept. 24, Watkins caught seven balls for 141 yards and two touchdowns.

The talented freshman matches up against West Virginia in the Orange Bowl on Wednesday night, a team that is decent against the pass. He's also facing his biggest stage yet as a collegiate player.

But none of that will matter. You can bet Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd will be looking at him early and often, and the reality is, few secondaries can match up with Watkins when he's on his game.

A lot of attention has been paid to Boyd this season, but Watkins is the better NFL prospect. He's a better NFL prospect than a lot of star underclassmen.

Wednesday night will be a preview of what Watkins will do next season with a year under his belt.

What will Watkins do?

Insert himself in the Heisman discussion.