Clemson’s top defender confirms NFL Draft decision
Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons announced that this would likely be his final season at Clemson early on in 2019. On Saturday he confirmed the news.
Simmons is off to the NFL, he announced on social media Saturday night.
The redshirt junior led Clemson in tackles each of the past two seasons and is expected to be a first-round pick in this year’s NFL draft.
Simmons led Clemson with 107 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and eight sacks in 2019. He also had three interceptions, 15 quarterback pressures and 10 pass breakups.
With Simmons moving on, Clemson is losing five starters off of its 2019 defense, all from the back seven. Linebacker Chad Smith and safeties Tanner Muse and K’Von Wallace are graduating, while Simmons and cornerback A.J. Terrell are leaving early for the NFL.
Other moves for Clemson from the last week:
▪ Clemson defensive lineman Xavier Kelly announced Saturday afternoon that he is entering the transfer portal and leaving the Clemson program.
▪ Backup quarterback Chase Brice announced his intentions to transfer this past week.
▪ Leading wide receiver Tee Higgins said he will turn pro early.
▪ Clemson running back Travis Etienne announced Friday that he is returning for his senior season in a surprise decision.
This story was originally published January 18, 2020 at 6:58 PM.
