Dabo Swinney shares approach to potential opt-outs in bowl season

Dabo Swinney is taking an interesting approach to potential opt-outs within Clemson’s roster for bowl season.

With the Tigers preparing to face Tennessee in the Orange Bowl, Swinney rejected the notion that he would have to “convince” any out-going players to participate in the game.

“At the end of the day, I don’t think you really should have to convince someone,” Swinney told reporters on Sunday afternoon. “If they don’t want to play, you respect their decision and keep it moving.”

The opportunity to play against a team like Tennessee on a big stage such as the Orange Bowl could be helpful for some players’ draft stock. Clemson’s matchup with Tennessee is o

ne of the most-anticipated bowl games this year outside of the playoff.

Clemson has a number of players, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, who could be high picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. That list includes players like Myles Murphy, Bryan Bresee, Trenton Simpson, KJ Henry and more.

Clemson and Tennessee have not met since 2004. The Vols are 11-6-2 all-time in this series.

The Orange Bowl is scheduled for Dec. 30.