Clemson coach Dabo Swinney compares Trevor Lawrence to this NBA star
Since the NFL draft media cycle started, former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who is expected to be the first-overall pick, has drawn some lofty comparisons. The passer is frequently compared with Hall of Fame quarterbacks like Peyton Manning and John Elway. He’s also been compared to Andrew Luck, who was considered a generational prospect when he was taken by the Colts in 2012 and had HOF abilities.
However, his college coach Dabo Swinney brought a new one into the mix. On an episode of the “Move The Sticks” podcast, he compared his three-year starting quarterback to Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, who is considered to be one of (if not the) greatest shooters of all time.
“You watch Steph Curry shoot the ball and you just go ‘wow’ just to sit there and watch this guy shoot the basketball,” Swinney said. “Well, that’s how you feel when you watch Trevor throw a football. When you get to see him live and you get to see him move, you just go ‘wow.’ It’s just different. He’s a face-of-a-franchise guy.
I think Trevor can be an international superstar. There’s not many football players that have become international superstars. Part of that is just because we all wear helmets and uniforms and get identified by that. Then you take the helmets off and become a normal person and sometimes you blend in. Trevor doesn’t blend in.”
Though this comparison may be a bit unorthodox, you can see what Swinney’s trying to say. In a similar vein to a player like Lebron James or Michael Jordan, Curry is a household name worldwide and transcends the sport that he plays.
Gridiron football may not have that kind of worldwide following, but players like Tom Brady and Manning still manage to break through. Clearly, Swinney thinks Lawrence can be one of those players.
Only time will tell, but Jacksonville hopes it will be taking a player who will not only bring the team back to relevance on the field, but also one who will give it an international superstar.
