Taylor Hearn to enter NFL Draft

Clemson redshirt junior Taylor Hearn will skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft once this season concludes.

The offensive guard from Williston, South Carolina told the media Wednesday morning at Clemson’s media day when asked about his future.

He said he met with head coach Dabo Swinney and offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell before making his decision.

Hearn will walk across the graduation stage tomorrow afternoon with a degree in parks, recreation, and tourism management.

“I earned my degree so that played a big part in it,” Hearn said Wednesday morning. “And just talking with coach Caldwell and coach Swinney, we just think that I could only benefit from it.”

Hearn has played 707 snaps this season and has started in all 13 games for the Tigers.

The 6-foot-5, 330-pound lineman’s most memorable play was a 12-yard run against Boston College where he scooped up a Kelly Bryant fumble.

Of the 42 games he has played in his career so far at Clemson, he's started in 28. Hearn tied for second on the team last year with 32.5 knockdown blocks in 1,022 snaps over 15 starts.

The news of Clemson signing the No. 1 OT in the country in Jackson Carman will help Clemson fans digest Hearn’s announcement.

Hearn is excited for what is ahead of him.

“I’m ready for the next opportunity. I’m ready to open a new door,” Hearn added. “I’m going to get after it and give it all I’ve got.”