Report: Clemson's Shaq Lawson planning to enter NFL draft

Clemson defensive end Shaq Lawson plans to forego his senior season and declare for the 2016 NFL Draft.

Lawson revealed his plans to a local television station in Houston, where he's attending an award ceremony. The junior is a finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award, which honors the top defensive end in college football each year. The winner will be announced Wednesday.

"I’m going to declare for the draft," Lawson told FOX 26 Houston. "It was a tough decision. I sat down with my family, sat down with the support staff at Clemson. I enjoyed being at Clemson, but it’s time. I’m ready for the next level."

Lawson, a junior, accounted for 9.5 sacks this season and recorded an FBS-leading 22.5 tackles for loss.

A menacing force at the college level, many experts project Lawson to be selected in the first round of the upcoming draft, if he makes his NFL intentions official.