Clemson D-linemen make NFL decision

TigerNet Staff by

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney announced at a team banquet that NFL-draft eligible defensive linemen Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant will return for the 2018 season.

Ferrell, a rising redshirt junior, was regarded as high as a top-10 pick by ESPN’s Todd McShay, who had him going No. 7 overall in a December mock draft.

WalterFootball.com regarded the rising senior Bryant as a projected 1-2 round pick as the No. 4-rated defensive end.

At the same banquet Saturday, junior defensive lineman Christian Wilkins said he had not made a decision on going pro, per Clemson football SID Tim Bourret. Draft-eligible players have until Monday to make a decision to go pro.

Swinney also formally announced that linebacker Kendall Joseph and cornerback Mark Fields will be back.

Ferrell, a first-team All-America selection, totaled 18 TFL with 9.5 sacks this season, tallying 66 tackles. Ferrell shared team Rookie of the Year honors on defense with rising junior Dexter Lawrence in 2016, totaling 50 tackles, including 12.5 for loss and six sacks.

Bryant posted a breakout 2017 campaign, totaling 15.5 TFL, 8.5 sacks, 50 tackles and an interception. Bryant won the team’s 12th Man Award in 2016 after returning from an early-season foot injury to post 16 tackles, 3 TFL and two sacks.

Joseph led Clemson in tackles this season (96), logging 5 for loss. Fields broke up two passes and posted 16 tackles.

Dabo Swinney just announced at team banquet that Clelin Ferrell, Austin Bryant, Kendall Joseph, Mark Fields all returning for senior year. Did not say anything about Christian Wilkins. — Tim Bourret (@TimBourret) January 14, 2018

JUST ANNOUNCED || Coach Swinney shared the news that Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant are returning to Clemson! #ALLIN ???? pic.twitter.com/Z9jXeVE157 — Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) January 14, 2018

Christian Wilkins spoke to the crowd at end of banquet as all the six captains did. He confirmed that he has not made a decision about his future. — Tim Bourret (@TimBourret) January 14, 2018