Star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins hasn't made up his mind as NFL draft decision looms.
A drama that kept Clemson fans and even coaches on pins and needles since the football season ended with a Sugar Bowl loss to Alabama came to almost full closure Saturday night at the team’s annual banquet.
Clemson standout defensive ends Clelin Ferrell (First-Team All-ACC) and Austin Bryant, a second-team selection, are returning to play another season, as is starting linebacker Kendall Joseph, third-team all-conference. It was also confirmed cornerback Mark Fields, a part-time starter, will also be back.
Coach Dabo Swinney announced the news at the season-ending team event. Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins spoke to those in attendance and said he still hasn’t come to a decision. The deadline for underclassmen declaring for the NFL draft is Monday. Wilkins has already graduated and appeared to be most likely among this year's group to leave eligibility on the table. He has a solid shot at being a first-round pick.
Ferrell, a redshirt sophomore, said in a video on the team’s Twitter account, “It’s been a great year, 2017 was great, but the best is yet to come in 2018. I’m happy to be a part of the team and it’s going to be great to do.” Bryant tweeted on his personal account, “One. More. Year.” Ferrell playfully replied on his account, “I got two left” accompanied by an emoji.
A recent USA Today Draft-Wire mock draft had Ferrell going 11th overall and Bryant going 56th. Joseph was likely to go more around the fifth round.
Ferrell led the Tigers with 18 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks among his 66 tackles, which ranked third. Bryant was second in both tackles for loss (15.5) and sacks (8.5) and was seventh with 50 stops. Joseph had a team-leading 96 tackles. Wilkins had five sacks among his nine tackles for loss in 60 stops.
Earlier this month, starting safety Van Smith decided to forgo his final season of eligibility. The defense also loses All-ACC Second-Team linebacker Dorian O’Daniel, starting corner Ryan Carter, and key reserve corner Marcus Edmond. Clemson lost receivers Deon Cain and Ray-Ray McCloud and offensive lineman Taylor Hearn. All-American left tackle Mitch Hyatt announced his return earlier this week.
Ferrell is a two-year starter with 111 career tackles, 30.5 for loss with 15.5 sacks, in 29 games. Bryant bounced back after missing most of last season due to injury and has 85 tackles, 22 for loss, 12.5 sacks, in 30 career games. Joseph is a two-year starter with 206 tackles in 31 career games, including 16.5 for loss with two interceptions.
Wilkins is a three-year starter having played both on the end and in the middle, appearing in 40 games with 141 tackles (26.5 for loss 10.5 sacks).