Clemson DE announces plans to enter transfer portal

Clemson is set to lose another player to the transfer portal.

Tigers defensive end Kevin Swint has announced that he is planning to enter the transfer portal.

The junior released a statement on Twitter Monday morning announcing his decision.

“I would like to thank coach Swinney and the whole coaching staff for believing in me,” Swint said as part of his statement. “My next opportunity will not only get a great player but I will make an impact on your community and program as well.”

Swint appeared in all 13 games this season, finishing with 10 tackles and a fumble recovery.

He was a key reserve for the Tigers this season with Xavier Thomas banged up for much of the year.

With Thomas, KJ Henry, Justin Mascoll and Myles Murphy all potentially leaving after this season, there was a chance for Swint to compete for a starting job for 2023 had he stayed at Clemson.

Swint signed with the Tigers as a four-star prospect in the class of 2020.

He appeared in 10 games as a true freshman. Swint also appeared in 10 games in 2021, finishing with nine tackles, including three tackles for loss. He transitioned from linebacker to defensive end prior to last season.

Swint joins quarterback Billy Wiles, receiver EJ Williams and cornerback Fred Davis as Clemson players who have announced that they plan to enter the transfer portal.

Earlier in the season, linebacker Sergio Allen and receiver Dacari Collins also announced that they were going into the portal.

Transfer portal background information

The NCAA Transfer Portal, which covers every NCAA sport at the Division I, II and III levels, is a private database with names of student-athletes who wish to transfer. It is not accessible to the public.

The process of entering the portal is done through a school’s compliance office. Once a player provides written notification of an intent to transfer, the office enters the player’s name in the database and everything is off and running. The compliance office has 48 hours to comply with the player’s request and that request cannot be refused.

Once a player’s name shows up in the portal, other schools can contact the player. Players can change their minds at any point and withdraw from the portal. However, once a player enters the portal, the current scholarship no longer has to be honored. In other words, if a player enters the portal but decides to stay, the school is not obligated to provide a scholarship anymore.