Two Clemson juniors thought to be among the draft-eligible Tigers most likely to return both instead declared their intentions Sunday to skip their final seasons of eligibility and enter the NFL draft.
Wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud and safety Van Smith each released statements through the school’s Twitter account to say this past season would be their last for the college.
McCloud’s read in part, “My decision to come to Clemson was one of the best decisions of my life. The amount of success we’ve had as a team has been unbelievable and something I will always cherish and never forget. After praying day and night and discussing my decision with my family and coach (Dabo) Swinney, I’ve decided to declare for the 2018 NFL draft.”
A part of Smith’s said, “The day I committed I knew Clemson was the place to help me grow into a man and not just a football player. Thanks to all the coaches that kept me going through my ups and downs.”
McCloud was third on team this season with both 49 catches and 503 yards (one touchdown) and ranked seventh nationally and second in the ACC averaging 12.1 yards on punt returns. For his career he had 127 receptions for 1,226 yards and five touchdowns in 40 games with 20 starts.
Smith finished fifth with 62 tackles and had one interception and one fumble recovery his final season. He finished his career with 192 tackles and four interceptions in 42 games with 28 starts.
The duo brings Clemson’s number of players leaving early to three with starting guard Taylor Hearn having made his intention public prior to the Sugar Bowl loss to Alabama.
The Tigers now await decisions offensively from All-ACC first team left tackle Mitch Hyatt and third team receiver Deon Cain (second on team in receptions and first in receiving yardage and touchdown catches).
Defensively, defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (an expected first-round pick who has already graduated) appears to be a lock to leave and could be joined by fellow All-ACC first team defensive end Clelin Ferrell, second team defensive end Austin Bryant, and third team linebacker Kendall Joseph.