Clemson receiver declares for NFL draft

Clemson wide receiver Joseph Ngata has made his NFL draft decision.

Ngata announced on social media Wednesday evening that he is declaring for the 2023 NFL draft after spending four seasons at Clemson.

The California native signed with the Tigers as a four-star recruit in the class of 2019 and was ranked as one of the top receivers in the country coming out of high school.

“I want to thank coach Swinney for giving me the opportunity to play football at Clemson University. I also can’t thank coach [Tyler] Grisham, coach [Jeff] Scott, the support staff, my teammates, and the Clemson fans enough for helping me along this journey the past four years,” Ngata said in a statement. “It is with great excitement and gratitude that I announce that I am declaring for the 2023 NFL draft. Go Tigers!”

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said prior to Ngata’s freshman season that he expected the wideout to end up being one of the best receivers in school history, comparing him to Tigers greats, including Sammy Watkins.

However, Ngata had an up-and-down career with the Tigers as he battled injuries throughout his time in the Upstate.

Ngata finished second on Clemson’s team in receptions and yards with 41 catches for 526 yards in 2022.

He started all 14 games for the Tigers this season, while posting career highs in receptions and yards.

As a junior in 2021, Ngata caught 23 passes for 438 yards, while appearing in nine games, with eight starts.

Ngata is one of several Clemson players from the 2022 team to announce that he is leaving for the NFL.

Other players who have declared for the draft include tight end Davis Allen, defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, defensive end KJ Henry, offensive lineman Jordan McFadden, defensive end Myles Murphy and linebacker Trenton Simpson.