CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) -Defensive end Phillip Merling will pass up his senior season at Clemson to enter the NFL draft.

Merling had seven sacks and led the team with 17 tackles for loss, helping the Tigers (9-4) finish this season ranked No. 21 in the country. He was fourth on the squad with 78 total tackles.

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

James Davis, Clemson's leading rusher the past three years, also said he will skip his senior season to enter the April draft.