Dec 3, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA;  North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) with the ball as Clemson Tigers linebacker Trenton Simpson (22) defends in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson is entering the 2023 NFL Draft, ESPN reported Wednesday.

He already was scheduled to miss the Orange Bowl due to an ankle injury. Simpson is projected as a first-round draft pick.

Simpson told ESPN that he planned to play three seasons with the Tigers and then graduate, and he’s on track to receive his diploma next week.

“It’s amazing,” Simpson told ESPN. “It’s definitely a dream come true. Me and my family all talked, and I was able to sit down with my coaches. I felt like this was what’s best for me. I worked my whole life for this opportunity.”

On the season, he tallied 77 tackles (four for loss), 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and three passes defensed in 12 games.

No. 7 Clemson will meet No. 6 Tennessee in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30.

–Field Level Media