Tyler Davis addresses his looming decision as bowl prep continues

Clemson senior defensive tackle Tyler Davis is approaching a highly anticipated deadline to decide what to do in regard to his final season of eligibility.

The Florida native received an invite to the Senior Bowl and accepted the invitation on Tuesday night. Despite that taking that step, Davis told reporters earlier in the day that he still isn’t sure whether he will stay at Clemson or declare for the 2023 NFL Draft.

“It was great, just being a part of that game, so many people were a part of that game,” Davis said about his invite. “It’s phenomenal, I’m just honored to be a part of that game. I don’t know if I’m leaving yet.”

Reporters pressed the 6-foot-2, 300-pound defensive lineman about what was left to do before making the decision.

“Just weigh out my options,” Davis said, “talk to my family.”

The Clemson Tigers are taking on the Tennessee Volunteers in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30. Although some seniors choose to opt-out of postseason bowls when they are considering the draft, Davis is practicing with the team

“Oh nah, I want to play in the game,” Davis responded when asked whether he considered opting out. “Just the guys beside me, finish up with them and everybody, finish this off right, that’s what I want to do it for.”

Over four seasons contributing to the Tigers defense, Davis tallied 109 tackles and 14.5 sacks. This season, he is up to 29 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He can increase those totals in the Orange Bowl as they take on the Vols, led by backup QB Joe Milton. Tennessee will be without star wideout Jalin Hyatt who declared for the draft and opted out of the bowl on Wednesday.

More on the 2023 NFL Draft

The 2023 NFL Draft takes place from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event location this year is the plaza just outside of Union Station.

Round 1 of the NFL Draft begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 29. The draft broadcast runs throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility. One hundred underclassmen gained approval for last year’s draft. Seventy-three of those 100 underclassmen received special eligibility while 27 of them were underclassmen who had completed their college degrees.

The 2023 NFL scouting combine will take place from Feb. 28 through March 6 in Indianapolis.