Why Clemson LB felt it was right time to move on from college football

Clemson has a lack of experienced depth at linebacker behind stars Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Barrett Carter after several veterans left the program this offseason.

The Tigers lost two linebackers to the transfer portal in LaVonta Bentley and Sergio Allen, while another left early to be a high pick in the upcoming NFL draft in Trenton Simpson.

A fourth Tigers linebacker in Keith Maguire also left Clemson with eligibility remaining earlier this offseason. Maguire announced in January that his redshirt junior season at Clemson would be his last.

He was back at Clemson for Pro Day last week and after working out for NFL teams, Maguire explained his decision to move on from college football in search of an opportunity at the NFL level.

“I’ve put on tape some good stuff. Obviously we have a lot of good linebackers here, too. I just thought it was in [my] best interest, at this point in my life, to give it a shot right now,” Maguire said. “I was confident that I’ll be able to get opportunities – if not drafted, undrafted free agent opportunities and go and make my point. All you really need is a foot in the door, and I felt that after this year I had enough to do that.”

The Pennsylvania native appeared in all 14 games last season, finishing eighth on the team with 47 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss.

Maguire didn’t start any games in 2022, but he was an important player off the bench and excelled in his roles on special teams.

Being a special teams contributor is likely Maguire’s best chance to make a roster at the next level. During his college career, Maguire appeared in 42 games while making 80 tackles.

“I’m used to that. It’s kind of where I excel, even though I believe I could be a starter anywhere. Just going out there, being a special teams guy, doing what I have to do for the team and making my mark wherever I can,” Maguire said when asked about playing special teams in the NFL.

“I felt that going into this [Pro Day] I really had nothing to lose. I think I had a good season. Obviously a lot of special teams film, too, but just going out and showing my athletic ability and how I can move. … Just showing teams that I have the ability to play at the next level.”

At Clemson Pro Day, Maguire did 30 reps on the bench press, which was more than anyone else at pro day. He ran a 4.83 40-yard dash and believes he helped himself with his performance.

“They may not have known who I was before this, but after that performance, I’m pretty confident that teams know who I am now,” Maguire said. “I wanted to show my strength. I did that. And just show that I may not run a 4.4, but I can move, I can change direction really well. I have good hands, did well in the drills. Just show them that I can go out there, I can be an athlete, I can play well on special teams and can also excel as a linebacker, too.”

While Maguire has aspirations of playing in the NFL, he also has a backup plan if that doesn’t work out. However, right now his only focus is on getting a shot at the next level.

“My plan is wealth management. I was a finance major and have a few things lined up after that already. Wherever this route does end, I can start on that journey of my life,” Maguire said. “But right now that’s kind of in the back of my head. I know I have it there, but right now it’s all football. Right now I’m full go on NFL.”