Five Clemson Football players who could go pro after 2024
By John Chancey
One of the reasons that budgeting a program’s recruiting class is a challenge is that it isn’t always easy to know who is likely to leave early for the NFL Draft and who isn’t. Clemson Football, if anything, tends to retain more players who most expect to declare early for the pros.
Before the 2023 season, there were multiple players, such as Nate Wiggins, Will Shipley, and Jeremiah Trotter, who most observers thought would turn pro after their junior campaigns, barring unforeseen circumstances like injuries.
Another who was a likely early exit was Barrett Carter, but he surprised most people by deciding to stay for another season at Clemson.
The Tigers are in the opposite position this season. A quick look at their 2024 roster indicates there might not be many - if any - Tigers who are likely to leave early for the NFL Draft.
2024 Clemson Football Roster as of 1/9 pm
— Morgan Thomas (@TheMorganTShow) January 9, 2024
The latest I have post-Will Shipley going to the NFL.
Also after a discussion with Mickey, moved Paul Tyson off as he is a coach unless there is an emergency.
Currently I have 84 (1 available).#Clemson pic.twitter.com/IQuCJi4DCC
Per NFL rules, a player must be out of high school for at least three seasons before they can declare for the draft. This means juniors and redshirt sophomores are eligible.
Just as most were surprised that Carter stayed, there might be a player who surprises us in 2024 with a better-than-expected season who decides to leave early for the 2025 NFL Draft.
I want to be clear: I am not predicting any of these players will leave early after next season, but they are they are the five who are the most likely to surprise us and leave early for the pros after 2024.
Next: Blake Miller