Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence has tested positive for COVID-19, putting into doubt whether he will be available to play the top-ranked Tigers' biggest game of the season on Nov. 7.
In a Twitter post, the junior from Cartersville, said his symptoms have been “relatively mild."
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney also confirmed the news in a statement.
“Trevor has authorized us this evening to announce that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now in isolation,” Swinney said. “He is doing well with mild symptoms but will not be available for this week’s game against Boston College.”
Lawrence is a leading contender for the Heisman Trophy and potentially the top overall pick in next year’s NFL draft. He led the Tigers (6-0) to a national championship as a freshman and back to the College Football playoff championship game last season. Clemson’s loss to LSU in the title game was the first — and still only — game the Tigers have lost in Lawrence’s 32 career starts.
In addition to Saturday’s game, Lawrence could miss the big game against No. 4 Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, on Nov. 7.
Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate for a minimum of 10 days.
Clemson is tested three times a week per Atlantic Coast Conference protocol.
Lawrence created a stir earlier this week when asked about his NFL future said he still had the option to stay or leave.
“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.”
Swinney said that while Lawrence will be missed against the Eagles (4-2, 3-2), it was an “opportunity for other guys to step up.”
Freshman passer D.J. Uiagalelei has been the first in after Lawrence this season when games get out of hand. Uiagalelei, at 6-4 and 250 pounds, was rated the country’s second-best college prospect by Rivals.com last season. He enrolled in January and went through spring drills until the coronavirus pandemic shut down college sports last March.
Uiagalelei has completed 12 of 19 passes for 102 yards. The Tigers also have used sophomore Taisun Phommachanh and Hunter Helms at quarterback this season.
Clemson has won its past 27 games against ACC competition and the past nine against Boston College.
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