Clemson’s Merling to turn pro

By Marc Hudgens  |   Friday, January 11, 2008  |  Comments( 2 )

College Football
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Clemson defensive end Phillip Merling announced Thursday he will not return for his senior season and will instead enter April's NFL draft.

"I advised him to remain for his senior year, but he felt this was the best decision for his future," coach Tommy Bowden said. "I will help him any way I can as he prepares for the draft."

Merling did very well this past season filling the void left by Gaines Adams; he ended the season with 78 tackles (17 for losses) and seven sacks.

Commentary: This is the second Clemson junior in a two-day period to announce his NFL intentions. Star running back James Davis made his plans known Wednesday. Thanks to the loss of these two top stars on the team, it's safe to say Clemson's chances of playing for an ACC title in 2008 just dropped significantly.
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About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He...
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