Watkins looks to improve on and off the field

By Pete Iacobelli

Associated Press

Published: Thursday, Aug. 23 2012 2:50 p.m. MDT

FILE - In this Jan. 4, 2012, file photo, Clemson's Sammy Watkins (2) runs into the end zone with a touchdown during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against West Virginia in Miami. Watkins learned he doesn't have all the answers on the field _ and that people are always watching if he slips up.

J Pat Carter, File, Associated Press

Enlarge photo»

Summary

Clemson's Sammy Watkins knows he has plenty to learn, despite his record-breaking, All-American performance at receiver.

CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson's Sammy Watkins knows he has plenty to learn, despite his record-breaking, All-American performance at receiver.

On the field, it is playing through injuries, staying true to technique and not believing the incredible hype about his skills that seemed to follow each game in the Tigers' Atlantic Coast Conference championship season. Off the field, it is handling the wild expectations of sophomore success followed by the disappointment of fans after his drug arrest in May.

Watkins will miss No. 14 Clemson's first two games as punishment, including the opener against Auburn on Sept. 1. The sophomore says the arrest was a mistake he deeply regrets and pledges not to make again.

Watkins hopes he can improve his game once he returns to action against Furman on Sept. 15.

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