You can make an argument that while Clemson Tigers QB Tajh Boyd may be the most recognizable player in program history, his main target, WR Sammy Watkins, is probably the most dynamic player on the field in its history. That was clearly evident as the junior wide receiver obliterated the Ohio State Buckeyes defense on Friday night in the Discover Orange Bowl, shattering the game record with 227 yards and 16 catches with two touchdowns in the team’s 40-35 thrilling win.
If he didn’t already have his mind made up about entering the NFL Draft and bypassing his senior season, that performance seems to have done it for him as Rand Getlin of Yahoo is reporting that Watkins will indeed be taking his talents to the National Football League.
#Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins will declare for the 2014 NFL Draft, according to multiple sources.
— Rand Getlin (@RandGetlin) January 5, 2014
Watkins burst on the scene for Clemson back in 2011 as a freshman, receiving for over 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns. But his sophomore season in 2012 wasn’t so kind as he battled through suspension early in the season and then injury after he returned.
This season, though, he was able to redeem that disappointing sophomore year by grabbing 101 balls for over 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns.