Clemson sees another key defender declare for 2023 NFL Draft ahead of Orange Bowl vs. Tennessee
By Adam Spencer
Published:
Clemson LB Trenton Simpson wasn’t expected to play in the Orange Bowl against Tennessee after suffering an injury in the ACC Championship Game.
But now it’s certain he won’t play against the Vols, as he has reportedly declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported on Wednesday morning that Simpson was moving on. Thamel’s tweet reveals that Simpson is Mel Kiper Jr.’s No. 3 inside linebacker in the 2023 draft class:
Clemson junior linebacker Trenton Simpson tells ESPN that he’s declaring for the NFL Draft. He's Mel Kiper Jr.'s No. 3 ILB. Simpson says he can jump 40 inches in vertical and run a 4.4. https://t.co/1Q345QZteD
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 14, 2022
Simpson finished second among all Clemson defenders with 73 tackles in 2022, 4 or which were for a loss. He added 2.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 3 pass breakups.
He told Thamel and ESPN he’s excited for the next step in his career:
“It’s amazing,” Simpson told ESPN. “It’s definitely a dream come true. Me and my family all talked, and I was able to sit down with my coaches. I felt like this was what’s best for me. I worked my whole life for this opportunity.”
Clemson’s Orange Bowl appearance against Tennessee is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 30, at 8 p.m. ET and can be seen on ESPN.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
