Clemson starting defensive tackle D.J. Reader is leaving the team indefinitely, coach Dabo Swinney said Tuesday.

"D.J. Reader has decided to step away from football for a while," Swinney said in a release. "He has some personal issues he has to deal with at this time. We are not sure when he will return. We will support him any way we can. This is no different than a player being lost for a period of time due to injury.

"We will move forward at the tackle position. We have many players who will do an outstanding job in the defensive line."

Reader, a senior, played in 38 games over the past three seasons, starting four. He tallied 110 tackles (7.5 for loss), 4.5 sacks, 21 quarterback hurries and one pass breakup.

The 6-foot-3, 325-pounder was expected to help fill the void left by NFL draft pick Grady Jarrett (fifth round, Falcons) on the Tigers' defensive line. Redshirt sophomore Scott Pagano and freshman Christian Wilkins are the likely contenders to fill in for Reader. Redshirt freshman Jabril Robinson and freshman Albert Huggins could see extended time as well.

Clemson is No. 12 in the preseason Associated Press poll and the preseason pick by the media to win the ACC.

"We are excited about preparing for our 2015 journey that starts September 5 with the opener against Wofford," Swinney said.