Jayron Kearse makes his NFL decision

Tony Crumpton by Assoc. Editor -

Clemson junior safety Jayron Kearse has decided to declare early for the 2016 NFL draft as he recently received a second-round grade from the NFL Draft advisory board.

Kearse took to his personal Instagram account on Wednesday morning to thank all the Clemson coaches and fans for their support.

"First off I would like to thank Clemson University for giving me the opportunity to be a part of something very special this season," Kearse said. "Coming to Clemson was the best decision I've made in my young career and it has been a great 3 year experience and couldn't have chosen a better university to be apart of. I will also like to thank the fans of #TigerNation for all their wonderful support towards me and this team this year, the support staff here at Clemson whose always had my back through good and bad times it has meant so much to me to be able to call Clemson my home. Finally, I would like to thank Coach Swinney, Coach Reed, and Coach Venables for believing in me and giving me the chance to be apart of such exceptional defenses the past 2 years. I'm thankful for everything I've been given the opportunity to achieve here, but after sitting down and talking to support staff and my family I think it's in my best interest to take the next step in my career and declare for the 2016 NFL Draft. I think the NFL is what I need to take my game to the next level and that's why I ultimately made the decision I've made. It's been great and I'll always be a Tiger and forever be grateful for this wonderful gift of me being able to be apart of Clemson University." #TigerNation #AllIn

ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay has Kearse as the No. 3 safety prospect for the upcoming NFL draft.

First off I would like to thank Clemson University for giving me the opportunity to be a part of… https://t.co/AoYPOCrvKB — Jayron Kearse (@JayronKearse8) January 13, 2016

My uncle told me it will never be easy when you trying to be the Greatest — Jayron Kearse (@JayronKearse8) January 13, 2016