Clemson's DeAndre Hopkins skipping senior year for NFL

Clemson — All-America wide receiver DeAndre “Nuk” Hopkins has decided to forego his senior year at Clemson and will enter the 2013 NFL draft. Hopkins told his teammates at a team meeting late Thursday afternoon.

“It is tough to leave because this is my home, this is the place I wanted to play since I came out of the womb,” said Hopkins. “But, I feel it is best for me and my family to take my talents to NFL at this time.

“I have to thank the Clemson alumni, the fans, the coaches and my teammates for all the support they have given me through the good times and the bad. No matter what I will always be a Clemson Tiger.”

Hopkins had one of the best seasons in Clemson history from a receiving standpoint. The native of Centralhad 82 receptions for 1,405 yards and 18 touchdowns in 13 games. He established ACC records for touchdown receptions in a season, consecutive games with at least one touchdown reception (10) and most games with a reception touchdown (12).

He finished the season with 13 catches for 191 yards and two touchdowns in Clemson's win over LSU in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, a 25-24 Clemson victory. His yardage total was a record for the 45-year old bowl game.