This news is as expected. Today the Clemson Tigers’ star wide receiver, Sammy Watkins, announced that he will forgo his senior season for the 2014 NFL Draft.
“I am very thankful for the past three years at Clemson University that have enabled me to grow academically, athletically, and spiritually,” said Watkins. “After much prayerful consideration, I have decided to take the next step in pursuing my lifelong dream of playing in the NFL.
“I would not have this opportunity without the support and encouragement of my family, coaches, teammates, and the best fans in college football. No matter where my next steps may lead, I will always take pride in the PAW and will forever be a part of the Clemson family.”
After watching the Tigers defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes on January 3rd in the Discover Orange Bowl, we all had the sense that that may have been Watkins last game in the Orange and White. Watkins was sensational in that career record-setting game. He was so extraordinary in that game he overtook Clemson’s senior quarterback, Tajh Boyd for the Most Outstanding Player of the Discover Orange Bowl.
Not only did Watkins break records in the Orange Bowl, he is leaving Clemson with school records to his credit as well. In fact, he holds 23 Clemson records after only 3 years with the team.
Before this season, Watkins said that he will break former teammates DeAndre Hopkins’ records and he did just that. This year he broke the Tigers record for receptions and receiving yards in a season with 101 receptions for 1,464 yards. The records were previously held by former Tigers, Aaron Kelly with 88 receptions in 2007 and 1,405 receiving yards by DeAndre Hopkins in 2012. He also tied Hopkins with 27 career touchdowns.
Watkins had a great run with the Tigers, who will also lose WR Martavis Bryant and DB Bashaud Breeland to the NFL Draft.
