Clemson defensive tackle Pagano leaving football program

Posted February 17, 2017 6:00 am

The Associated Press

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) - Clemson defensive tackle Scott Pagano is leaving the program.

Tigers coach Dabo Swinney said the 6-foot-3, 295-pound native of Hawaii wants to play his final season closer to his home, probably somewhere on the West Coast. Swinney said Pagano, a part-time starter, told him he had accomplished his goals at Clemson of graduating and winning a national championship.

Pagano started four games this season, making 31 tackles with two sacks. He made one tackle in Clemson's 35-31 win over previously undefeated Alabama in the national title game last month.

He had 51 tackles as a redshirt sophomore in 2015, starting nine of 15 games.

Swinney said he urged Pagano to stay, but understood his reasons for leaving.

___

More AP college football: www.collegefootball.ap.org

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.