Justin Fields vs Trevor Lawrence- A Look at Two of NFL’s Next Gen Quarterbacks

In an almost poetic fashion, Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields will be at the center of attention during the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft.

The two young college quarterbacks had standout seasons with their respective teams in 2020. Fields led the Ohio State Buckeyes to the CFP National Championship game while Lawrence finished as a 2020 Heisman Trophy runner-up.

Both quarterbacks are rumored to be potential 1st-round picks at this year’s Draft event. But the battle to be at the top dates back to their high school days.

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Justin Fields vs Trevor Lawrence- The start of a new NFL rivalry?

Both Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields were the top-ranked quarterbacks (as per 247Sports.com rankings) from the class of 2018.

Lawrence (Cartersville, Cartersville, Ga.) had a 0.999 rating, which was just a tad bit more than Fields (Harrison, Kennesaw, Ga.), who had a 0.998 rating.

The young starlets have been setting records and grabbing eyeballs over the last 2-3 years. But it is Lawrence, once again, who is said to be in the lead to become the latest #1 pick at this year’s 2021 NFL Draft.

Jacksonville Jaguars HC Urban Meyer met with the starry-eyed quarterback earlier this month on his Clemson Pro Day, along with multiple other NFL scouts.

Lawrence is set to undergo shoulder surgery on his non-throwing arm. However, reports indicate that he will be ready in time for pre-season and is on track to feature for the Jaguars (if he does end up in Florida).

Meanwhile, Fields is reportedly tipped to be this year’s 2nd overall pick. He is expected to join Robert Saleh’s new-look New York Jets, which will signal the exit of QB Sam Darnold.

Nevertheless, BYU prospect Zach Wilson, Alabama’s Mac Jones, North Dakota State’s Trey Lance, and Florida’s Kyle Trask will also be in the running to emerge as the surprise 2nd-choice QB as this year’s Draft.

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Throwback to when these starlets last faced off in the 2021 Sugar Bowl

Before 2020, both these players had only met once during their college football careers. It was back in December 2019 in the CFP semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl. Trevor Lawrence led Clemson to a narrow 29-23 win on that occasion.

But it was Fields who had the last laugh when Ohio State played Clemson Tigers in the Sugar Bowl in January 2021. He threw for 385 yards with 6 passing touchdowns against 1 interception as the Buckeyes beat Clemson by a 28-49 scoreline.

Lawrence had a decent game himself. He went 33 of 48 with 400 passing yards and 2 touchdowns. But could not lead his team to a much-needed win.

In doing so, Ohio State sealed a spot in this year’s CFP Championship Game. They ultimately lost to Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide Football Team.

But this is certainly not the last face-off between Lawrence and Fields. This could be the start of an epic new rivalry that NFL fans are looking forward to. Let the games begin!

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