Nate Wiggins, Clemson cornerback, declares early entry for NFL draft

Clemson’s star cornerback Nate Wiggins has announced in an exclusive phone interview with ESPN that he will forgo his senior year and enter the highly anticipated 2024 NFL draft. This news comes amidst speculation surrounding Wiggins’ outstanding performance and NFL potential.

Wiggins, projected as one of the draft’s most sought-after cornerbacks, has secured a top 25 spot on Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest Big Board rankings. The decision to skip Clemson’s bowl game and focus on his NFL preparation comes after an impressive close to his junior season, enhancing his prospects in the upcoming draft.

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

Hailing from Atlanta, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound junior has made a name for himself as one of the nation’s finest corners. His plans to compete for the top corner draft pick position put him in contention with players such as Iowa’s Cooper DeJean, Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Georgia’s Kamari Lassiter.

Wiggins’ outstanding physical attributes, particularly his speed and length, position him as a frontrunner to impress at the upcoming NFL combine. Notably, he capped his college season with an exceptional display of talent, showcasing his prowess with a forced fumble, interception, deflected pass, and seven tackles against North Carolina on Nov. 18.

Recognized as the fastest player on Clemson’s team, Wiggins secured first-team All-ACC honors for his remarkable 2023 performance.

Expressing his self-assuredness, Wiggins declared, “I feel like I’m the fastest and I feel like I’m the most complete corner in the draft.”

Wiggins’ consistent productivity during his tenure at Clemson is reflected in his impressive stats, including 14 pass deflections in 2022 and eight breakups with two interceptions in 2023. Scouts commend his instincts and exceptional ability to intercept passes.

His exceptional talent was further highlighted by his interception return for a touchdown in each of the past two years, notably a record-breaking 98-yard touchdown return in the ACC championship game in 2022. He also claimed two of Drake Maye’s 16 career interceptions.

“I’m a cornerback who is going to lock down the best receiver and bring ball skills,” he stated confidently. “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.”

Grateful for his time at Clemson, Wiggins credited the coaching staff, including head coach Dabo Swinney, chief of football administration Woody McCorvey, and cornerbacks coach Mike Reed, for their pivotal role in his development.

Wiggins expressed his gratitude to his mother, Tamika Lucas Baker, for her unwavering support and guidance, recounting how her influence and belief in him paved the way for this significant achievement.