Tigers Today: Darnell Jefferies, Jaelyn Lay enter transfer portal

Good morning, Clemson fans, and welcome to Tigers Today. Football will always be our focus, but every day we’ll cover news, notes and analysis from across Tigers sports. Join us each morning to get caught up on everything you missed in the world of Clemson football, recruiting, basketball and more in Tigers Today.

Darnell Jefferies, Jaelyn Lay enter transfer portal

The offseason is now in full swing for Clemson. With offensive coordinator Tony Elliott and defensive Brent Venables each leaving, the Tigers are now being hit by roster turnover.

Defensive lineman Darnell Jefferies entered the transfer portal Monday. A 6-foot-2, 290-pound defensive tackle, Jefferies just completed his fourth season with the Tigers. A former On3 Consensus three-star recruit out of the 2018 class, Jefferies played in six games for Clemson this season – making one total tackle. Over four years with the Tigers, Jefferies recorded 15 total tackles, one tackle-for-loss and half of a sack while appearing in 29 games.

After indicating his plan to enter the portal in November, tight end Jaelyn Lay officially put his name in Sunday. The tight end ends his career with Clemson with two catches in three seasons on his resume. Still, the loss is significant for the Tigers. The 6-foot-6, 270-pound tight end put on a show in the spring game, finishing with six catches and earning high praise from Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney.

Clemson losing defensive tackles coach Todd Bates to Oklahoma

Clemson defensive tackles coach Todd Bates is joining Brent Venables in Oklahoma, Clemson Sports confirmed Monday. Bates has been on staff at Clemson since January of 2017. He was promoted to Clemson’s assistant head coach last month.

Bates recently received a raise and was set to make $715,000 annually. His deal at Clemson was through Jan. 31, 2025. He owes Clemson 25% of the total compensation remaining on the contract, which equals out to more than $500,000.

Prediction logged for four-star Clemson running back target

Trevor Etienne’s recruitment is set to end in less than a week.

The four-star running back is gearing up to announce his college decision at the All-American Bowl in San Antonio on Saturday. His options have been narrowed down to Clemson, Florida and LSU.

Etienne took an official visit to Clemson in early December, with that trip marking the last one he’ll take before committing. He also has an official visit scheduled to Florida next week.

With his recruitment winding down, Clemson Sports recruiting reporter Joseph Hastings submitted a prediction for Etienne’s commitment.

K.J. Henry to return to the Tigers next season

K.J. Henry, who had the option to enter the 2022 NFL Draft, announced Monday he’s returning to Clemson.

“But I can’t start thanking everybody and saying my goodbyes, because we got more memories to make,” Henry said in a social media post. “The adversity this team endured this year was never something we wanted, but what God knew we needed.

“The responses 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.”