Clemson DE declares for NFL Draft |
Junior All-American and Ted Hendricks Award winner
Clelin Ferrell announced Thursday evening he will forgo his senior season at Clemson and enter the NFL draft.
"I am excited to announce that I will be declaring for the NFL Draft this year," Ferrell posted on social media, "and will continue to chase my dream of being the best me I can be. #DreamWithMeBaby #MissileOut" Ferrell completes the quartet of Clemson starting defensive linemen to go pro this year, with junior teammate Dexter Lawrence having made his announcement and seniors Austin Bryant and Christian Wilkins also moving on. "For those who know me, understand how hard it is for me to write a letter like this because it means the coming to an end of a truly life-changing experience to be at my second home the last 3-and-a-half years," Ferrell said. "My love for this team, program and school is everlasting and the memories it has given me will forever hold a special place in my heart." Ferrell is projected to go in the top-10 of the NFL draft by Sports Illustrated, among more outlets. The Richmond, Virginia native was named the ACC defensive player of the year in addition to the Hendricks Award, which is given to the nation's top defensive end. Ferrell tallied 54 tackles, 19.5 for loss, with 11.5 sacks this season. Here is the rest of Ferrell's social media announcement: "It all started with Coach Venables and my former coach, Marion Hobby. They’re the reason I came to Clemson, and every day I stepped on the field I wanted to prove myself to them because I know they expected great things from me. Coach Swinney, he is the reason I say Clemson is where I 'needed' to be and not where I 'wanted' to be. The love he has for his players is unmatched and he taught me about having a vision for my life and where to build my foundation, which is in Christ, and that’s why he is so important to my success. Also Coach Bates and Coach Ski, y’all gave me some of my best memories at Clemson, I’ve told you both the love I’ve got for y’all and I know y’all have got my back through anything. To my mother and family, you have been my backbone throughout my life and I’ve only wanted to make you proud. You have given me everything I needed to be successful even when you couldn’t get it for yourself and I will continue to be my best for you. And to the Clemson Family, you all are the best fans in the world and you are the reason why this decision is so hard, because the people here are what make it so special. I am blessed to have been a part of this family. Lastly, to my teammates —to my brothers — I can honestly say my love for y’all is deeper than football and I will always cherish the time we have and will continue to spend together, as my kids will call y’all 'Uncle' one day." Matthew 17:20... My Foundation Is Built On Faith And Through That Greatness Is Achieved..???? pic.twitter.com/YUAKS1OS8K Proud of you, @Cle_Missile!
Always a Tiger... #ClemsonFamily pic.twitter.com/Pyfht2RM5k
Clelin was the first player to embrace me, and I mean that both literally and figuratively. We met for the first time 12 hours before ACC Media Day in my first week with Clemson and he literally bear-hugged me. https://t.co/0sihvkydeE
— Ross Taylor (@ClemsonFBRoss) January 11, 2019
You’ll always have a home in Death Valley, No. 9??9??. pic.twitter.com/hIwaK9OYol
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) January 11, 2019
Nothing short of greatness is what I see in you bro. #200 https://t.co/JuGx2SQZhW
— Kendall Joseph (@KendallJoseph34) January 11, 2019
Never had someone push me the way this man did, work with me when he did not have to, teach me the ins and outs of the game, and to teach me how to really work. I love you dawg. See you at the top ?????? https://t.co/CHrPiBgklM
— Xavier Thomas (@atxlete) January 11, 2019
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