It’s official: Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee is declaring for the NFL Draft
Bryan Bresee is going pro.
Clemson’s All-ACC defensive tackle is declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft after three seasons with the Tigers, he confirmed Monday in an Instagram post.
Bresee, the former No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2020, is listed as a top 10 draft pick in various media outlets including CBS Sports and Pro Football Focus.
Bresee wrote on Instagram that playing in the NFL has been a “lifelong dream of mine. After much thought and many prayers, I would like to announce that I am declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft. Although I’m excited for this next chapter in my football journey, I will always be a Clemson Tiger.”
Bresee earned second team All-ACC honors for Clemson in 2022, recording 15 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and two pass deflections in 10 games (seven starts) for a Tigers defensive line that ranked among the nation’s top 10 in sacks and rushing defense.
The junior had two solo tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack in the final game of his career, a 31-14 loss to Tennessee in Friday’s Orange Bowl.
Bresee was also named the 2020 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year and earned first team All-ACC honors that season. He was a third team All-ACC honoree in 2021 despite playing in just four of Clemson’s 13 games before he suffered a season-ending torn ACL injury.
In his 25-game Clemson career, Bresee – who’s listed at 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds – had 50 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, nine sacks, five pass deflections, a forced fumble and an interception.
“When I committed to play football for Clemson University, I never could have imagined how special this opportunity would be,” he wrote. “The support I have received from the Clemson community the past 3 seasons has been amazing. I truly appreciate the experience.”
Bresee specifically thanked coach Dabo Swinney for his leadership, as well as his “love and support he showed to Ella and my family as she battled her cancer diagnosis.” Ella, Bryan’s younger sister, died at age 15 in September due to complications from medulloblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer.
Bresee also thanked current Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin and defensive line coach Nick Eason; former Clemson DC Brent Venables and former Clemson DL coach Todd Bates (both of whom are now coaching at Oklahoma); and his Clemson teammates and fans.
“Lastly, I would like to thank my family for their never-ending support,” Bresee wrote. “I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in today without you. I love you all.”
Bresee is the third Clemson player to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft. Defensive end Myles Murphy and linebacker Trenton Simpson both declared earlier this month.
This story was originally published January 2, 2023 at 12:15 PM.
