Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons Officially Declares for NFL Draft
By Karl Rasmussen
The Clemson Tigers were treated to a nice surprise when star running back Travis Etienne announced that he would return for his senior season.
Unfortunately, the program won't be given the same good fortune on the defensive side of the ball today, as fellow NFL Draft prospect Isaiah Simmons has officially declared for the pros.
Take a chance, because you never know how perfect something can turn out pic.twitter.com/nG7AzrCHJt
— Isaiah Simmons (@isaiahsimmons25) January 18, 2020
Simmons has been touted as a potential early first-round pick, and many NFL scouts believe he has a bright future as a professional. With his draft stock arguably as high as it will ever be, the redshirt junior opted to forgo his senior season.
In 2019, Simmons racked up 104 tackles, eight sacks, three interceptions, and 16.5 tackles for loss while winning the Butkus Award, given annually to the nation's best linebacker.
Reminder: LB Isaiah Simmons (6'4, 230) once raced RB Travis Etienne (5'10, 200). It was a tie ?pic.twitter.com/EUOv5P5i5z
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 14, 2020
Simmons issued a lengthy statement in which he thanked the university, the football program, his family and Tigers fans.
Any NFL defense in need of a linebacker to step in and immediately earn starting reps should look no further, as Simmons is as pro-ready as they come.