Trevor Lawrence on decision-making improvements, Etienne as a receiver, and Isaiah Simmons

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Notes and quotes from our time on campus this afternoon with Trevor Lawrence, including thoughts on his decision-making ability, Travis Etienne’s progression as a pass-catcher, and if Isaiah Simmons is the best defensive player in the country.

–  General assessment you could give on the decision making responsibility that is on your shoulders this year compared to last year?

“I think it’s pretty similar. Our offense is similar, obviously with a few wrinkles. I think I have more responsibility, I guess, for the things I see in pre-snap more so, but I think our plays and the decisions post-snap are pretty much the same. I think them having more trust in me, the coaches, and just telling them what I see, I think that’s a little bit more. I have a little more impact in that regard. I think just as far as plays go, it’s pretty similar.”

– As far as protections and things like that?

“Definitely more. It was the same last year, I guess, but I feel more comfortable changing things. If I feel like something would be better, I feel more comfortable switching to that instead of just going with whatever is called already.”

– How much did coach Brandon Streeter talk to you about those two interceptions at Louisville and how much of a tightrope is it to walk between making that decision to throw into tight coverage and wanting to get your guys a chance to make great plays?

“I think there’s a difference in trying to fit into a window that’s not really there and trying to give our guys a chance. I think the throws where I’ve given them a chance and they’ve made most of them. You’ve seen the one to Joeseph (Ngata) and Justyn (Ross )in the end zone against Louisville, but then there are other ones that just are bad decisions. That’s where I want to get better and I feel like I did this past week.”

– Difference this past three weeks in you guys clicking as an offense?

“I think just as the season goes you get more comfortable. You kind of get into a rhythm and I feel like we are figuring out exactly who we are and getting better every week. All that is part of it.”

“I think, not that it’s been really bad this year at all, but I think our focus has been really good at practice. We’ve been intentional these past three weeks especially.”

– Relationship with Justin Fields?

“I’ve watched a few of their games this year and obviously he’s a great player and I knew him in high school. I haven’t talked to him much this season, but I think sometime in the summer we talked a little bit. Obviously, he’s a great player and they are doing well.”

– How’s the relationship with the offensive line evolved this season?

“I think last year I started to build that relationship and we just got to know one another better since then. We’ve gotten a lot closer and we’re obviously good friends. Obviously, I appreciate those guys and I feel like we have respect for one another.”

– Feel like you are being more aggressive with the play-calling, especially in early games?

“I think so. I think it’s something our coaches on offense like to do and coach Swinney. Just have some shots. They’ve done a good job of mixing those in there. Travis’ throw against Florida State, that was cool. And then the flea-flicker we didn’t hit but could've thrown to Tee or Justyn. It was still a positive play. It’s always fun when you can take chances like that.”

– When Travis Etienne can catch the ball out of the backfield, how much more efficient can your offense be?

“It adds another guy. Instead of four guys, you have a fifth guy you can throw it to now. Especially after the catch, he’s so good running the ball. Just what he’s been able to do and how he’s showed he’s been able to get better in that area has been cool to see and the past two games especially, he’s done a really good job of - there’s more to it than just catching the ball. He’s got to look for his protection and then get out. There’s a lot more to it than that. He’s done a really good job of one: being in protection, and then two: when there’s no one there, getting down and getting on his route.”

– Have you noticed the confidence in Etienne’s game in that area improved overall?

“For sure. I think he’s really done a good job of making that decision of staying in protection or just getting out. He’s been a lot faster at doing that. And I don’t think he has any drops this year. He’s done a really good job catching the ball.”

– How much fun is it to watch Brent Venables and that defense play?

“It’s awesome. We kind of feel for the other offense because we know what it’s like to go up against them every day. It’s not just him, obviously, but just how smart he is and how he schemes things up, and then we have great players so that speaks for itself. They make us a lot better every week. You see every look you could possibly think of so then, when you play a team that has a lot of different blitzes and exotic looks, you’ve already seen them all in practice before so you have something to relate back to. He does a really good job of getting us ready, but also getting our defense is ready to play.”

– The way he uses Isaiah Simmons and people may not know how good of a player Isaiah is around the country. What’s he like on the defense?

“As far as athleticism, he’s so good and just fast, strong-- can also cover people. And then, any type of blitz look, he gets to the quarterback so fast. I know in fall camp there was a lot of times where he sacked me because he was on me so fast and didn’t have a chance to go anywhere. He’s just a great player and is really smart, just understands what he’s doing. Coach V does a really good job of using him in certain roles, especially in third-down situations. They do a really good job of using him the right way.”

– Is Isaiah the best defensive player in the country?

“If he isn’t, I want to see who is. I don’t know for sure. We don’t get to watch a ton of other people, but from what I’ve gone up against, he’s up there for sure.