Pair of Clemson DL will return to Tigers for 2018

Clemson received a huge boost for the 2018 season on Saturday as it was announced that star defensive linemen Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant will be returning to school instead of entering the 2018 NFL draft.

Both players had a chance to be high draft picks but will instead play for the Tigers next season.

Bryant is a junior, while Ferrell is a redshirt sophomore.

The two have been very important to Clemson’s success over the past couple of years as Ferrell was a starter in 2016 and helped Clemson win the 2016 national title. Bryant was a key reserve on that team.

Both players started this season for the Tigers and were considered leaders on the defense.

Ferrell led the Tigers in tackles for loss with 18 and sacks with 9.5 this past season, while Bryant was second with 15.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.

Ferrell and was named first-team All-ACC this past season, while Bryant was a second-team selection.

This story was originally published January 13, 2018 at 7:29 PM with the headline "Pair of Clemson DL will return to Tigers for 2018."