Clemson’s Christian Wilkins makes NFL decision

Clemson defensive lineman Christian Wilkins announced Monday that he will return for his senior season of eligibility instead of declaring for the NFL draft.

The junior was expected to be a high draft pick after being a key part of Clemson’s defense for each of the past three years.

Instead, Wilkins joins fellow defensive linemen Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant in returning to school for 2018.

Wilkins finished with 60 tackles, nine tackles for loss and five sacks this past season and was one of the leaders on Clemson’s defense.

He played defensive tackle this past year after playing mostly defensive end as a sophomore.

Wilkins earned All-American honors in 2016 after finishing with 56 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks while helping the Tigers win the national title.

Wilkins was a freshman All-American in 2015 after posting 84 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks while helping Clemson reach the national title game.

This story was originally published January 15, 2018 at 5:07 PM with the headline "Clemson’s Christian Wilkins makes NFL decision."