Clemson Tigers

Saban, Swinney want underclassmen draft deadline pushed back

Published Jan. 10, 2016 1:25 p.m. ET

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SCOTTSDALE, Arizona (AP) Alabama coach Nick Saban and Clemson coach Dabo Swinney say they would like the NFL to push back the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft.

Underclassmen have until Jan. 18 to file declaration papers with the NFL. That will leave the players competing in Monday's College Football Playoff championship game just a week to make their decisions.

Underclassmen can request a draft evaluation from the NFL and those grades are usually received during college football's postseason. Saban said he would prefer the NFL not provide its evaluations to players until after they are done competing.

Swinney agreed, calling it a distraction. Swinney says he knows which Clemson underclassmen will be leaving early, even those who have not announced.

Clemson junior defensive end Shaq Lawson has said he is leaving early.

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