Clemson Football: Myles Murphy opts out of Orange Bowl

Clemson football defensive end Myles Murphy has decided to opt out of the team’s upcoming Orange Bowl game with Tennessee on December 30th and prepare for the NFL draft.

Just last week we pointed out that both Murphy and Bresee were expected to be picked in the top 15 selections of next April’s NFL Draft and with 8 figures on the line, it would make sense to consider not playing in the bowl game.

Murphy has chosen that option and it’s difficult to blame him for making that choice.

Murphy had an up-and-down season from my point of view, being almost totally absent in some games and dominant in others.

While production is still an important piece of the NFL draft puzzle, only so many players have Murphy’s size and skills, making him an elite prospect at the next level.

The 6’5, 275-pound Murphy is a junior from Hillgrove High School in Marietta, Georgia was an All-ACC selection in 2022, registering 45 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss (42 yards), 6.5 sacks (33 yards), 3 passes defended and 8 quarterback pressures.

Murphy was the 7th ranked overall recruit in the class of 2020 by 247sports.com, the No. 1 strong-side defensive end and the 2nd ranked player in the state of Georgia.

He has teamed with fellow 2020 signee Bryan Bresee to form a formidable duo along the defensive line when Bresee was healthy.

Bresee, the No. 1 overall player in that class was reportedly present and practicing as Clemson opened preparation for the December 30th game.

Murphy came into the 2022 season with  94 tackles (26.0 for loss), 11.0 sacks, five forced fumbles and three pass breakups in 963 snaps in 25 games.

Clemson football defensive end Myles Murphy has consistently been projected in the first round of the NFL Draft

Both Bresee and Murphy have been consistently projected as picks in the top half of the first round since at least last April.

The contract for the 15th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft is expected to be in the $16,000,000 range, making it a difficult choice for a player to return or participate in a bowl game, especially at a position that is prone to injury.