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Dabo Swinney: This will likely be Deshaun Watson’s last spring game

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney acknowledged on Tuesday that quarterback Deshaun Watson will likely enter the NFL draft when eligible next spring.
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Clemson coach Dabo Swinney acknowledged on Tuesday that quarterback Deshaun Watson is likely entering his final season with the Tigers.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Tigers’ spring game on April 9, Swinney said that this will likely be the last chance for Clemson fans to catch their starting quarterback at the annual scrimmage. Watson will become eligible for the NFL draft next spring.

“I really want to challenge the crowd and fans to show up,” he said. “It’s going to be the last time to see Deshaun Watson, most likely, in a spring game. Deshaun came in here with a plan. He’s going to graduate in three years. That’s what he’s doing.”

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Watson is entering his junior year at Clemson, and coming off a 4,000-yard season that saw him finish third in Heisman voting. The 20-year-old led Clemson to the national championship game, where the Tigers fell to Alabama, 45–40.

– Kenny Ducey