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.”
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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)
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