Clemson LT Mitch Hyatt will skip 2018 NFL Draft, return to school

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Clemson media day with Mitch Hyatt. MIKE BURNS/Staff

Clemson's three-year anchor on the offensive line will return to school for his senior year. 

The school announced Wednesday that left tackle Mitch Hyatt will skip this year's NFL Draft and refine his craft in his final year of eligibility.

“I have decided to return to Clemson for my senior year,” said Hyatt. “ I have some unfinished business on the field and I know another year will benefit me.  And, it is very important to me to finish my education."

The former five-star lineman from Georgia was part of Clemson's 2015 recruiting class and immediately stepped in as a starter for the Tigers. He was named either a first or second-team All-American by Sporting News, ESPN, USA Today, the American Football Coaches Association, Associated Press, the Football Writers Association and the Walter Camp Foundation.

More: Clemson wide receiver Deon Cain declares for the 2018 NFL Draft

Hyatt also won the ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the conference's top offensive lineman.

His return presents an opportunity for him to etch himself in the Clemson history books. Hyatt could become both the first offensive lineman in Clemson history to be a three-time first-team selection and the first two-time All-American offensive lineman since Stacy Seegars (1992-93).

Hyatt is Clemson's second draft-eligible player to announce he's returning to school, joining wide receiver Hunter Renfrow. His teammates Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins, Austin Bryant, and Kendall Joseph are yet to make their decisions public.

Deon Cain, Van Smith, Ray-Ray McCloud and Taylor Hearn have already announced their decision to enter this year's NFL Draft.