Clemson Football: Keith Maguire will not return

Clemson football lost another defender that could have returned in 2023, when linebacker Keith Maguire announced he was not returning to the team.

Maguire was a 4-star recruit in the Class of 2019, who saw action in all 14 games this season and totaled 38 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss.

For his Clemson career Maguire played in 41 games and accumulated 64 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble and 1 interception.

Maguire was a career backup, never having started a game in his career at Clemson and many believe he was out-recruited in subsequent cycles, making significant playing time less likely as his career continued.

Still, it’s the loss of a veteran on a defense that has seen three starters opt to leave early for the 2023 NFL Draft.

As noted above, Maguire has not entered the transfer portal and it’s believed he will move on from football and pursue other interests.

This season, Maguire tied for the team lead in tackles against Furman with 8 and registered 6 tackles at Florida State and 5 at Notre Dame.

Recognizing his limitations, I appreciated how Maguire played the game as he always played with energy.

Clemson football had another scholarship open when Keith Maguire opted not to return for 2023

On the flip side, this opens another scholarship up for the Tigers, who just yesterday were believed to be at or above the 85 limit.

Theoretically, at least that opens room for a couple of potential transfers, but as we’ve warned, if you’re expecting the transfer portal to be the fix for Clemson football you will likely be disappointed and frustrated.

It also leaves the option to take additional players in the Class of 2023 if the Tigers decide to go that route with signing day around a month out.

Maguire was a Top 500 player out of Malvern Prep in Malvern, Pa., with reported offers from Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan and North Carolina among many others.