Key Clemson player opts out of Orange Bowl matchup against Tennessee Vols

A key Clemson Tigers player won't be playing in the Orange Bowl against the Tennessee Vols. Edge rusher Myles Murphy told ESPN on Tuesday that he's declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft and skipping the Orange Bowl. From ESPN: "It really came fast," Murphy told ESPN of his time at Clemson. "Three years ago today, […]

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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A key Clemson Tigers player won't be playing in the Orange Bowl against the Tennessee Vols.

Edge rusher Myles Murphy told ESPN on Tuesday that he's declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft and skipping the Orange Bowl.

From ESPN:

"It really came fast," Murphy told ESPN of his time at Clemson. "Three years ago today, I was getting ready to head to Clemson. It was a really fast transition. Now there's a transition to the next level and next chapter of my life. Every big decision that I make, I go back to the family and make it a family and team decision. We all agreed on and thought it was the best decision."

Oct 8, 2022; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Myles Murphy (98) moves to bring down Boston College Eagles wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) during the second half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2022; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Myles Murphy (98) moves to bring down Boston College Eagles wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) during the second half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

This is a big loss for the Tigers when it comes to the bowl game against Tennessee.

Murphy is one of the top defensive players in the nation and is expected to be a top five or top 10 selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.

One of the keys to beating the Vols is getting pressure on the quarterback. That's how Georgia was able to limit Tennessee to just 13 points earlier this season.

Without Murphy, that task will be a bit more difficult.

So far, the Vols have only had one player opt out of the bowl game. Wide receiver Cedric Tillman announced on Monday that he's declaring for the draft and sitting out the bowl game. That decision was expected as Tillman has been battling an ankle injury since September.

Tennessee is still waiting on a decision from superstar wide receiver Jalin Hyatt.

Hyatt is a junior and has two years of eligibility remaining, but he's currently projected as a top-40 draft pick which makes his return to Rocky Top unlikely.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney also said on Tuesday that Tigers linebacker Trenton Simpson won't play in the bowl game due to injury. Simpson was Clemson's second-leading tackler this season.

Featured image via Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK

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