Dan Wolken

USA TODAY Sports

Clemson got a huge boost Wednesday night when defensive end Vic Beasley announced he will return for his senior season.

Beasley, who was named a second-team All-American by the Associated Press, led the ACC with 13 sacks and was second in the conference with 23 tackles for loss. He also caused four fumbles.

Beasley was initially thought to be leaning toward turning pro after Clemson's Orange Bowl victory over Ohio State, but as the process played out the decision became tougher. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney told USA TODAY Sports on Monday that Beasley was waffling and would likely take it right down to the deadline at midnight Wednesday.

Beasley was an unknown quantity coming into the season, playing his first two years as a backup, but his emergence as a junior was key to Clemson's improved defense and 11-2 record.

He'll come into the 2014 season as one of the country's premiere defensive players, anchoring a team that will look significantly different after losing quarterback Tajh Boyd, receiver Sammy Watkins, running back Rod McDowell and safety Bashaud Breeland.