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Dabo Swinney still has high praise for Trevor Lawrence as the former Clemson star prepares for his fifth NFL season. During an appearance on XL Primetime in Jacksonville, Swinney discussed Lawrenceâs journey, reflecting on the quarterbackâs success in college and how it compares to the tougher path heâs faced with the Jaguars.
Lawrence was once one of the most decorated winners in football â going 52-2 in high school, then 34-2 at Clemson, where he led the Tigers to three College Football Playoff appearances, two national title games, and an ACC Championship every year. Things havenât gone quite as smoothly in the NFL, where he holds a 23-39 record as a starter, including the playoffs.
âHe wins. If you know anything about Trevor Lawrence, just go back and look at his career. Heâs always won. Forever,â Swinney said. âThis guy, whatâd he lose, one game in high school maybe, maybe two. And then he comes to Clemson and wins 29 straight and (played in) back-to-back national championship games, three straight playoffs, three straight conference (championship) games. He was second in the Heisman (Trophy voting in 2020). I mean, heâs just always won.â
Lawrenceâs NFL journey has been more complicated. While he earned Pro Bowl honors in 2022 and led the Jaguars to a playoff win over the Chargers that season, heâs also had to deal with injuries, inconsistency, and a rebuild around him in Jacksonville. Last year, he appeared in only 10 games and was placed on injured reserve in December after suffering both a concussion and an AC joint sprain in his non-throwing shoulder. He completed 60.6 percent of his passes with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions before undergoing surgery in mid-December.
âThereâs been some challenges that heâs had to deal with, and part of thatâs being in the NFL,â Swinney said. âI mean, how many undefeated teams have there been in the NFL? Itâs a different deal. And then heâs had some injury. He was never a guy that really battled a lot of injuries, and heâs had a couple of tough breaks. But heâs as tough as they come.â
Despite the setbacks, Lawrenceâs long-term potential hasnât changed in Swinneyâs eyes. The Jaguars clearly feel the same, having recently committed to a five-year, $275 million extension. Through his first four seasons, Lawrence has completed 63.3 percent of his passes for 13,815 yards, 69 touchdowns, and 46 interceptions over 60 games.
âHeâs incredibly smart, incredibly gifted,â Swinney added. âHeâs got a long future ahead of him and Iâm excited to watch it all play out.â
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