Ray-Ray McCloud is among a handful of Clemson junior players who will have to make decisions on their futures after this season, whether to return to school for another year or enter the NFL draft early.

But the wide receiver from Tampa, Fla., says he isn’t worried about the NFL right now with a matchup against Alabama in the College Football Playoff looming on New Year’s Day.

“It’s not a thought right now,” McCloud said. “I have another year of eligibility, and I want to get my degree. So that’s a very big factor, and I’m just focused on Alabama right now.”

McCloud has at least some interest in testing the NFL waters a year early, however. He indicated that a member of Clemson’s staff has submitted his paperwork to the NFL draft advisory board, which in turn will give him a draft grade to help with his decision.

“I think coach (Woody) McCorvey did,” McCloud said when asked if he had sent in paperwork.

Nevertheless, McCloud insists he is focused on the here and now, not the future.

McCloud said all of his attention is on Alabama and preparing for the Sugar Bowl semifinal against the Crimson Tide.

“You definitely appreciate every moment, because not every year or every game is promised or every second in life is promised at that,” McCloud said. “So going into the college playoff, we’re just going game by game and trying to win the day. That’s what coach is always preaching. We’re definitely going into this game focused on us, and I think that’s what makes us great. We’re just focused on us, not the outside, and keeping our blinders on.”

Through 13 games this season, McCloud has caught 46 passes for 502 yards (10.9 yards per catch) and one touchdown.