Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said on Tuesday he had a team meeting set for Thursday and would know then which players won’t be moving forward with him towards the Pinstripe Bowl game against Penn State. However, three of his top defensive players have released their plans to enter the NFL Draft.
Defensive end TJ Parker became the latest to announce on Tuesday night. Earlier in the day, defensive tackle Peter Woods revealed his plans. On Monday, cornerback Avieon Terrell was the first to go public.
Parker finishes his Clemson career with 126 total tackles. He had 41.5 tackles for loss and 21.5 sacks. He is now ranked 10th all-time at Clemson in sacks.
Parker did not have the kind of senior season expected of him. After totaling 11 sacks, 195 tackles for loss and 57 tackles in 2024, he fell off to five sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss and 37 tackles this season.
Draft Countdown ranks Parker as the #13 overall prospect for the NFL Draft.
Also Tuesday, junior safety Khalil Barnes announced he will transfer for his final season of eligibility. With the Tigers, Barnes totaled 139 tackles with seven interceptions and 11 pass deflections.
Barnes is the fourth Tiger to announce plans to enter the Portal when it opens on January 2nd.
