ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 22: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Clemson Tigers looks to pass as he is pressured by KeShun Freeman #42 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium on September 22, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clemson Tigers coach Dabo Swinney said the university is honoring quarterback Deshaun Watson, tailback Wayne Gallman and receivers Mike Williams and Artavis Scott, all juniors, because they are heading to the NFL after this season.
“Those guys indicated to me back in the summer that this was going to be it for them,” Swinney said Tuesday. “They were going to graduate in December, and their plan was to be a senior. They’re more seniors than some of the seniors.”
The four players will be honored at Senior Day on Saturday when the No. 3 team hosts Pittsburgh. It’s an honor reserved for players who aren’t returning.
“All those guys are planning on moving on,” Swinney said. “Definitely want to honor them while we have the opportunity. They’ve earned it.”
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
Watson, a Heisman Trophy candidate, is expected to be among the top picks in next year’s NFL Draft. The 6-foot-3 Williams is also believed to be a potential first-rounder.
Gallman and Scott are also hoped to be drafted next year.
Watson last year became the first in the Football Bowl Subdivision to throw for more than 4,000 yards and rush for more than 1,000 yards.
The Tigers (9-0, 1st in Atlantic Division) are coming off a 54-0 home shutout of Syracuse.
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 22: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Clemson Tigers looks to pass as he is pressured by KeShun Freeman #42 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium on September 22, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Despite being flagged for several medical concerns, Caleb Downs, a safety from Ohio State, is…
The Indianapolis Colts have signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a two-year extension. His contract will…
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic has called off the engagement with his fiancée, Anamaria…
The Las Vegas Raiders have sent Geno Smith back to the New York Jets in…
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo scored 83 points on March 10 against the Washington Wizards.…
Kevin Mays, who was a former assistant coach for the Cal State Bakersfield men's basketball…