CLEMSON, S.C. — Clelin Ferrell fidgets in his seat, knowing how close — and how far away — to achieving what he returned to Clemson to capture: The national championship.
The talented defensive end is near the top of most mock NFL drafts and was a first-round candidate this time a year ago when he announced he would return to school for a shot at another crown. Ferrell was part of a core group of starters — defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, defensive end Austin Bryant, left guard Mitch Hyatt — considered high-round pro prospects who returned to the college grind this season.