Clemson defensive tackle Bryan Bresee announced he will head to the pro ranks. Bresee, a junior, has been projected as a first-round pick in mock drafts despite 2021 and '22 seasons limited by injury, illness, and personal tragedy. "It has been a life-long dream of mine to play in the NFL," Bresee wrote in an Instagram post on Jan. 2. "After much thought and many prayers, I would like to announce that I am declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft. Although I'm excited for this next chapter in my football journey, I will always be a Clemson Tiger."Bresee was one of several juniors to declare for the draft on Jan. 2, including Alabama quarterback Bryce Young and edge-rusher Will Anderson Jr. Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson and defensive end Myles Murphy, who were also five-star recruits in the 2020 class, announced prior to the Tigers' bowl game that they were heading pro. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound Bresee was the No. 1 overall recruit in that class and was the ACC's defensive rookie of the year in 2020. He tore his ACL in the fourth game of Clemson's 2021 season. This campaign, Bresee was in and out of the lineup as he dealt with the death of his 15-year-old sister, a kidney issue, and then a case of strep throat. On the year, Bresee had 15 tackles, 5.5 for loss, and 3.5 sacks in 10 games. - Charleston Post Courier