Brandon Streeter: From move-in day with Lawrence to best ever, it's been quite a year

Trevor Lawrence moved into Clemson a little over a year ago

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Sat Jan 12 07:40:25 GMT-04:00 2019

SANTA CLARA, CA – A little over a year ago, quarterbacks coach Brandon Streeter got in his car and drove over to Lightsey Bridge to help freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence move into his new room. As the duo moved boxes from the car to the room, neither imagined what the next year would bring.

Monday night at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco, Lawrence shredded Alabama to the tune of 347 yards and three touchdowns as Clemson blew out the Crimson Tide to win the College Football Playoff National Championship.

What a difference a year makes.

“Absolutely. And wow that they are just true freshmen, Trevor and Justyn Ross. I just helped Trevor move in a year ago from yesterday,” Streeter said. “We talked about that, how I helped him move into his dorm a year ago from yesterday, and now we have won the National Championship again. This is just an amazing feeling.”

Ross caught six passes for 153 yards and a score for a Clemson offense that gained momentum as the game progressed.

“We just kept making plays. Big play after big play. We just gained more and more confidence as the game wore on,” Streeter said. “Trevor did a good job of making good decisions, especially just taking care of the football. I don't know how many turnovers they had, and how many 4th-down stops we had, but that was a big difference in the game. I am just so happy for our kids because of the heart and passion they put into this thing.”

Lawrence paid his dues during spring practice and fall camp, biding his time behind then-starter Kelly Bryant. After four games, however, the coaches made the decision to start Lawrence, and that decision led to the Tigers’ second title in the last three seasons.

“Ever since I've known Trevor, he's always had so much poise and there was never a moment that was too big for him,” Streeter said. “So, I know it wasn't a pressure thing because of his poise. Our coaches made the best decision we could make for our team at that time and thank goodness it came through for us.”

It was a special night for a special group of players.

“It's special. There is not another team in the country that can say they have these kinds of guys,” Streeter said. “It's not just those two you saw shine tonight - the offensive line had no sacks and Travis (Etienne) and our running backs just kept running and making plays. Our whole team effort was incredible, and I am proud of the seniors. This is a special group. Christian Wilkins and Clelin Ferrell, this is what they came back for and what they dreamed about and they made it happen.”

In becoming the first team to finish 15-0 in the era of modern football, Streeter said the Tigers have a level that is all their own.

“It's hard to argue what we did. We've beaten them two of the last three years on the biggest stages,” he said. “As far as we are concerned, we are the best ever and it's hard to beat that.”