Clemson DE Shaq Lawson says he’s declaring for the NFL draft
Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson is headed to the NFL.
Lawson, the nation’s leader in tackles for loss (22.5), told FOX 26 in Houston that he will forgo his final year of eligibility to go pro. Lawson is in Houston for Wednesday night’s Lombardi Award ceremony. Lawson is a finalist for the Lombardi along with Ohio State’s Joey Bosa, Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett and Penn State’s Carl Nassib.
“I’m going to declare for the draft. It was a tough decision,” Lawson said. “I sat down with my family, sat down with the support staff at Clemson. I enjoyed being at Clemson, but it’s time. I’m ready for the next level.”
In addition to his 22.5 tackles for loss, Lawson, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound junior, has 55 tackles and 9.5 sacks. He also had 44 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 2014 and 35 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and four sacks as a true freshman.
“I had planned on what I wanted to do,” Lawson said. “That was my goal throughout the season to possibly get drafted. I worked hard for (this). I feel like it paid off.
“I will always miss Clemson, thank them for everything they’ve done for me. I really enjoyed it.”
Top-ranked Clemson is 13-0 headed into the College Football Playoff semifinal game against Oklahoma.
For more Clemson news, visit TigerIllustrated.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
