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Clemson defensive lineman KJ Henry makes decision on future

275133747_4796292347117549_592518599057046758_nby:Jonathan Wagner•01/03/22•

Jonathan Wagner

On3 image
Clemson defensive end KJ Henry would start at several Power 5 programs. (David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images.)

Clemson defensive lineman KJ Henry has made his decision on his future. Henry, who could have entered the upcoming NFL Draft, has instead decided to return to school to play one more year at Clemson, he announced.

Henry announced his decision to return to Clemson on Monday via his Instagram account.

“Look at God. That boy’s favor ain’t fair!!! I made the decision to come to this great university 4 years ago and have been through so much more than I had ever imagined for myself,” Henry said. “Getting my bachelor’s and master’s in 4 years, winning a natty and just laughing so much with these guys I call teammates, all while making my family proud is all a young man could ask for.

“But I can’t start thanking everybody and saying my goodbyes, because we got more memories to make. The adversity this team endured this year was never something we wanted, but what God knew we needed. The response and the fight of my guys this past season is what made it even easier to make this decision, because I know EXACTLY who I’m coming back to.”

Henry was a highly touted recruit when he came to Clemson

Henry joined Clemson as part of the 2018 class as an On3 Consensus five-star recruit and a top ten overall player in the country. He was the second ranked EDGE player, and the top player out of the state of North Carolina. Henry chose Clemson over Georgia, Ohio State, USC, Penn State, and many others.

In his four years at Clemson, Henry has totaled 71 tackles, including 37 solo stops. He also has 19 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, one forced fumble, and five passes defended. Henry played in 13 games this season, where he had 20 tackles, also setting career highs with 6.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney addressed Henry’s future last month. Swinney said that Henry was trying to weigh all of his options before making a decision.

“I think he’s just trying to see what his evaluation is from the NFL guys,” Swinney said. “He’s a fourth-year player and graduating in December, so he’s got his degree. He’s definitely a guy that’s got a chance to play at the next level. Think he just wants to see what he’s projected as.”