Just two days after the Clemson Tigers won the College Football Playoff National Championship against the Alabama Crimson Tide, two more players announced that they would join the upcoming NFL Draft. Wide receivers Mike Williams and Artavis Scott join fellow teammates Deshaun Watson (quarterback) and Wayne Gallman (running back) as they take a step closer to becoming professional athletes. Williams is thought to be the number 1-rate draft-eligible wide receiver according to the list of top prospects by Mel Kiper Jr of ESPN. Scott, on the other hand, did not make the list.
This did not come as much of a surprise as both underclassmen took part in the Clemson senior day activities back in November which were indicative of them not returning the following year. Also, Tigers' head coach Dabo Swinney also refer to them in ways that made it seem like they were already leaving at the end of the season. Williams had a team-high 98 receptions for 1,361 yards and 11 touchdowns while Scott was second with his 76 receptions for 614 yards and 5 touchdowns. Regular season stats for the team and each individual player can be found here, at the Clemson Tigers' homepage.
Both young athletes took to Twitter to express thanks to the coaches, the community at Clemson, their families, and friends for their support. Mike Williams said "Playing for Clemson was an incredible experience. I am grateful for the opportunity and for everyone who has been a part of my journey." - @darealmike_dub. Artavis Scott was a bit more spiritual with his message, saying "I will be going on to the next level. I prayed about it and I feel that this is the best choice for me and my family. Who knows what will happen but I put my trust in God." - @tayscott7, after thanking everyone for an unbelievable time at Clemson.
