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Clemson defensive back Mario Goodrich makes decision on future

Nikki Chavanelleby:Nikki Chavanelle•12/30/21•

NikkiChavanelle

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Mario Goodrich signed with the Eagles on Saturday. (Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images.)

Clemson senior Mario Goodrich is heading to the NFL Draft. The cornerback announced his decision not to return to Clemson for his extra year on Thursday ahead of the New Year.

The news shouldn’t come as a shock to Clemson fans. Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney predicted that Goodrich would leave the program at the end of the regular season.

“I think right now his intention is to go pro,” Swinney said. “He’s had a great year. I think he’s another guy that’s got a decision to make, but I think right now that’s where he’s leaning. He’s had an excellent year. He’s had an invite to the Senior Bowl.”

During the Tigers’ 2021 campaign that saw them go 10-3, including a win in the Cheez-it Bowl, Goodrich posted 42 total tackles, nine passes defended, two interceptions, a touchdown and a forced fumble.

Mario Goodrich heading to the pros

Mario Goodrich is one of several Clemson upperclassmen with the potential to return for another season. Other Tigers players with eligibility remaining who are potential NFL draft picks are Justyn Ross, Jordan McFadden, Tyler Davis and Andrew Booth Jr.

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Goodrich is leaving the program after earning his starting role with a good performance in 2020. He had two interceptions, despite only tallying 13 tackles last year.

The NFL hopeful is a Kansas City, Missouri, native. He attended Lee’s Summit West for high school where he was a four-star prospect and No. 127 in the nation, according to the On3 Consensus.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound corner chose Clemson over Georgia, LSU and many other Power Five programs.

Mario Goodrich capped off his Clemson career with a victory over Iowa State in the Cheez-It Bowl. The win marked Dabo Swinney’s 150th victory in his 14th season at the helm. He became the third coach in FBS history to reach that mark in his first 15 seasons, joining Oklahoma legend Bob Stoops and former Florida and Ohio State coach Urban Meyer.