News

Clemson Cornerback Nate Wiggins Declares For Draft Early

Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins announced Wednesday that he was leaving the team early and will declare for the 2023 NFL Draft. He told ESPN that he was grateful for the college experience.

“I’m thankful for Clemson,” Wiggins said. “They developed me into a wonderful man. Dabo (Swinney) and the whole coaching staff are so loving and pour out energy every day. They love everyone who goes through Clemson. They played a big part in my development.”

Wiggins does not intend to play in the Tigers’ bowl game. When asked why he was deciding to leave early, the junior cornerback was straightforward.

“I just feel like it was that time,” Wiggins said. “All the hard work I’ve put in, I feel like it was time for me to declare.”

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

After a quiet freshman year, Wiggins started as a sophomore and slowly began to live up to his reputation as one of the best recruits at his position. He returned an interception for a touchdown in the 2022 ACC Championship game and played an integral role in the team’s win over North Carolina. In his junior season, he became a leader on the defense and secured two interceptions.

Many draft analysts have ranked Wiggins near the top of their boards at the cornerback position, with many speculating that he could go in the first round. The 6’2″ defender is eager to play at the professional level.

“I’m a cornerback who is going to lock down the best receiver and bring ball skills,” Wiggins said. “They’re going to get a hard worker, someone they can depend on and someone who can get the job done and love their teammates.”

Clemson had a disappointing start to the season but has slowly regained momentum and will certainly appear in a bowl game with an 8-4 record. The former national champions are still recruiting players like Wiggins, an encouraging sign as the team looks to continue building for future runs in the ACC.

Patrick Moquin

Recent Posts

Paul George Exits With Knee Injury As 76ers Fall To 2-12 In Loss To Grizzlies

With their big three finally back in action Wednesday, the Philadelphia 76ers suffered another setback…

2 hours ago

VIDEO: Nike Pays Tribute to Rafael Nadal With 30-Foot Projection In Front of Eiffel Tower

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tny--EWynOQ Nike paid tribute to Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal with a 10-meter-tall animated display…

20 hours ago

VIDEO: Rafael Nadal Gets Emotional Tribute as He Retires From Tennis

https://youtu.be/dtJoJz9hC48 Tennis legend Rafael Nadal bid a heartfelt goodbye to his devoted Spanish fans as he brought…

20 hours ago

VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Olympic Fencer Eli Dershwitz Explains The Art Of Fencing

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DQ9Rxhnuer4 U.S. Olympic fencer Eli Dershwitz shed light on the critical skills necessary in fencing…

2 days ago

Two Bears Offensive Linemen Return To Practice, Caleb Williams Desperate For Blocking

Two offensive linemen for the Chicago Bears returned to practice, a massive step in the…

3 days ago

VIDEO: UFC Heavyweight Champion Performs Viral Trump Dance In New York

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/s2g9t_33Myw President-elect Donald Trump received a warm welcome from Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Jon…

4 days ago