Deshaun Watson will get the opportunity to do something most young quarterbacks only get to dream about. Later this summer, he’ll get the opportunity to not only being an instructor in the Manning Passing Academy in Thibodaux, La., but he will also get to work on his own game with NFL greats Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning.

“He seems to be kind of a sponge, wants to get better, wants to improve his game, wants to do things the right way. I think that’s commendable,” Archie Manning said about Watson to The Associated Press on Tuesday. “That’s the sign of a great player too, who kind of recognizes his weaknesses and wants to work on them. I’m sure that’s what he’s trying to do … but he sure has a good handle on things.”

The Clemson quarterback was in New Orleans on Tuesday accepting the Manning Award, which is given to the nation’ best quarterback. Watson accepted the trophy at a ceremony held in the Superdome.

Watson was named the winner of the Manning Award back in January after he led the Tigers to the College Football Playoff Championship Game. The award is the only one in the country that is announced once the entire season, including bowl games, is complete.

Watson of course set a National Championship Game record with 478 total yards, including a record 405 yards through the air against Alabama’s top-ranked defense in the title game. He also threw four touchdown passes in the 45-40 loss to the Crimson Tide.

While leading the Tigers to a 14-1 record, Watson completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 4,104 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2015. He also rushed for 1,105 yards and scored 12 touchdowns while becoming the first player in FBS history to throw for 4,000 and run 1,000 yards in the same season.

“I’m the type of person that always strives to be great,” Watson said. “I’m not great just yet. There’s a lot more of the game and the techniques and fundamentals and mechanics that I have to improve on, so I’m working to be great one day.”

To be great, Watson says he is watching film from last year’s title game run, and is breaking down every little thing he did right and did wrong. Of course he is working out, too. The Tigers began summer workouts on Monday.

“It’s really the small things – not so much the big things that everyone else sees,” Watson said. “Put your eye placement in the right direction or your feet in the right direction or your hand placement. Just little, tiny things I’ve got to focus on to make sure we correct this year.”

Getting to work alongside and learning from greats such as the Mannings, should go a long way in doing that.

TCI’s Clemson preseason magazine is now available.  Order your copy of Unfinished Business – An Insider Look at Clemson’s 2016 season today.