The biggest man on campus has COVID-19.
Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence has tested positive for COVID-19, his coach Dabo Swinney confirmed.
“Trevor has authorized us this evening to announce that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now in isolation,” Swinney said in a statement. “He is doing well with mild symptoms but will not be available for this week’s game against Boston College.”
Lawrence issued his own statement on social media, saying “the only thing that hurts is missing an opportunity to be with my teammates this weekend and play the game I love.”
Lawrence is arguably the biggest star in college athletics and has led the No. 1-ranked Tigers to an undefeated start to the season. He is also a Heisman Trophy contender.
Per ACC COVID-19 guidelines, the star quarterback must now isolate for 10 days before he can play again, missing Saturday’s game.
Back in April Swinney said this about the virus:
“God can stamp this out just as quick as it rose up, and I don’t have any doubt that’s what’s going to happen. That’s my belief. Now, if someone wants to blast me because I believe things are going to turn around, well, then that’s fine. They can blast me for that. That’s OK.
“I believe we are gonna kick this thing in the teeth and nothing is going to change that belief for me.”
And as the college football season approached, Swinney went further, saying his players were safer at school.
“This is the safest environment that we can have our guys,” he told ESPN. “Without a doubt … as opposed to letting these guys all leave and go home and be in these environments where they’re not getting tested … every single week.”
Lawrence is expected to be the top overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft if he decides to turn pro and will likely have the power to dictate which team he wants to play for next season as a professional.
The Tigers will be competing for their second championship in three seasons but they will have to deal with the health of their quarterback first.
“While we certainly will miss Trevor,” continued Swinney’s statement, “this is an opportunity for other guys to step up and we’re excited about competing against a very good BC team on Saturday. Go Tigers.”
Backup quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei, a five-star recruit and true freshman, is expected to start against the Boston College.