Clemson great Trevor Lawrence throws first NFL touchdown for Jaguars
Welcome to the NFL, Trevor Lawrence.
The former Clemson quarterback made his first professional start with the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Houston Texans on Sunday in Houston. The moment was spoiled, though, as the Jaguars fell to the Texans, 37-21.
During the first quarter, Lawrence’s first drive ended early with a three-and-out, though he managed to complete a 13-yard pass to Laviska Shenault, Jr. It didn’t take much longer, however, for the former Tiger to reach the end zone. During the Jaguars’ third series, he threw a 22-yard touchdown to Chris Manhertz to get the Jaguars in the scoring column near the beginning of the season quarter. The TD narrowed the Jaguars’ deficit, 14-7.
Lawrence and Co. for the rest of the half, though, throwing two interceptions and falling further behind, 27-7.
The rookie then had touchdown No. 2 in the third quarter on a deep 41-yard dart, his longest completion of the day, to DJ Chark with a four-yard score late in the fourth quarter. He ended the day going 28-for-51 with three TDs and three interceptions for 332 yards.
Lawrence was Clemson’s first-ever No. 1 NFL Draft pick, going to the Jaguars. He left the Tigers as a national champion and Heisman finalist. The Georgia native finished third all-time in passing yards (10,098) and second in completion percentage (66.6) in the Tigers’ record books with a 34-2 record as a starter.
Clemson fans were denied an opportunity to see two former Clemson quarterbacks on opposite sidelines when Houston Texans signal caller Deshaun Watson was ruled out of game, and possibly the season. Watson has actively sought to be traded while also dealing with sexual assault allegations.
This story was originally published September 12, 2021 at 2:00 PM with the headline "Clemson great Trevor Lawrence throws first NFL touchdown for Jaguars."
