Multiple NFL executives told ESPN this week that despite his recent comments, they believe Clemson Tigers starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence will enter the 2021 NFL Draft.
Lawrence, who is projected to be the first overall pick, told reporters on Tuesday that he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to Clemson. “My mindset has been that I’m going to move on,” he said Tuesday (h/t ESPN). “But who knows? There’s a lot of things that could happen.”
After Lawrence said this, head coach Dabo Swinney gave his two cents about his star quarterback’s potential decision. “I didn’t read anything into it. Don’t really care,” Swinney said (h/t ESPN). “He’s going to do whatever he needs to do. I’m going to save a scholarship for him just in case. I’m not real worried about it. He ain’t worried about it, either. He’s got one thing on his mind and that’s leading the Tigers and having a great season this year.
“We’ll certainly let him stay if that’s what he wants to do. But I’d be surprised if he’s back with the Tigers next year, but who knows? You never know.” According to ESPN, Lawrence has already started the process of interviewing agents.
This season, the 6-foot-6 junior standout has looked like the top overall selection in next spring’s draft. Lawrence has completed 70.7-percent of his passes for 1,833 yards for 17 touchdowns and two interceptions. Lawrence did not play in Saturday’s game against Boston College due to testing positive for COVID-19. Head coach Dabo Swinney said after Saturday’s game that he will also not play next week against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.