Clemson DE KJ Henry makes NFL draft decision

Clemson defensive end KJ Henry announced Wednesday afternoon that he is leaving for the NFL draft.

Henry spent the past five seasons at Clemson, redshirting as a five-star recruit in the class of 2018, before being a key contributor each of the past four years.

Henry started all 14 games in 2022, finishing with 51 tackles, 9 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.

In Friday’s Orange Bowl loss to Tennessee, Henry recorded two tackles.

He said leading up to the game that he was seriously considering returning to school, before opting to declare for the draft on Wednesday.

“I don’t see why I have to leave now,” Henry said last week. “Everybody’s always telling us, ‘You’re in a great time in your life.’ Why rush it? The grass isn’t always greener. I’m listening. I’m having a great time. Why do I have to leave?”

Henry thanked his Clemson teammates, coaches, support staff, fans and others in a video posted on social media announcing his departure.

“My time here has come to an end,” Henry said in the video. “It’s not over, it’s until I see you next time. But it’s my time to declare for the 2023 NFL draft. Much love.”

Henry earned second-team All-ACC honors this season and was named a permanent team captain.

As a junior in 2021, he recorded 28 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

Henry joins tight end Davis Allen, defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, offensive lineman Jordan McFadden, defensive end Myles Murphy and linebacker Trenton Simpson as players who have announced that they are heading to the NFL.

Junior linebacker Keith Maguire has also announced that he is moving on from the program and will give up football.

Clemson defensive end Justin Mascoll announced after the Orange Bowl that he is returning for one more season.

The Tigers still have several players with NFL draft decisions to make, including defensive tackle Tyler Davis, defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro and defensive end Xavier Thomas.

Clemson finished 11-3 this past season, winning the ACC championship for the seventh time in eight years.

However, the Tigers went 0-3 against non-ACC Power 5 teams.

This is an important offseason for Dabo Swinney’s program, which also lost several players to the transfer portal.

You can keep up with all of Clemson’s offseason roster moves here.

Swinney was asked following the Orange Bowl what he would say to people who believe the Tigers program is slipping.

“I don’t really know what to say to them. We’re 11-3. Sure, I wish we were undefeated, but we’ve won the league seven out of the last eight years. I think that’s only happened one other time, and that was in the ’70s by Alabama,” Swinney said.

“We’ve been pretty consistent, and we’re going to continue to be consistent and keep trying to do everything we can to be undefeated around here.”