When the Clemson Tigers take the field against the Boston College Eagles on Saturday, star quarterback Trevor Lawrence will be watching in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.
Lawrence, who will be replaced by true freshman D.J. Uiagalelei, was experiencing mild symptoms on Thursday, according to a statement from Clemson coach Dabo Swinney.
“While we certainly will miss Trevor, this is an opportunity for other guys to step up and we’re excited about competing against a very good BC team on Saturday,” Swinney said. “Go Tigers.”
Lawrence also confirmed his positive test result with a post on social media.
While Lawrence’s status for Saturday’s game is not in doubt, there is some question as to whether he will be able to return to the field on November 7 for top-ranked Clemson’s game against No. 4 Notre Dame in South Bend.
BC is not ranked, and Clemson should be able to handle the Eagles even with Uiagalelei, who has completed 12-of-19 passes for 102 yards and scored twice on the ground this season, under center. That may not be the case against the Fighting Irish.
Per Atlantic Coast Conference protocol, Clemson players are tested three times a week and individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate for a minimum of 10 days.
A leading contender for the Heisman Trophy, Lawrence is expected to be the top overall pick in next year’s NFL draft. Earlier this week, the junior from Georgia said he still had the option to stay at Clemson for his senior season or leave school for the NFL.
“My mindset has been that I’m going to move on,” Lawrence said Tuesday. “But who knows? There’s a lot of things that could happen.”
Clemson’s loss to LSU in the College Football Playoff championship game last season was the first — and still only — game the Tigers have lost in Lawrence’s 32 career starts.
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