Former Clemson TE Declares for 2025 NFL Draft
By: Robert MacRae December 15, 2024

A former Clemson Tiger has wrapped up his college career, and now he’s putting his name into next year’s NFL Draft.

Former Clemson tight end Jaelyn Lay declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Sunday night.

“With the conclusion of my eligibility, I am excited to announce that I am declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft,” Lay wrote in a social media post.

Lay played at Clemson from 2019-21, when he had two receptions for 25 yards in 149 career snaps over 19 games and was a two-time ACC Honor Roll selection.

After transferring from Clemson, Lay spent two seasons at Alabama State, tallying seven receptions for 75 yards in 17 games played.

Lay re-entered the portal as a graduate transfer in November 2023 and transferred to UMass for the 2024 season. The 6-foot-6, 265-pounder posted two catches for 17 yards in 10 games for the Minutemen this season.

In addition to thanking God, his family and his friends, Lay thanked Clemson, Alabama State and UMass in his social media post.

“I would also like to thank Clemson University, Alabama State University, and the University of Massachusetts,” he wrote. “These institutions have allowed me to grow as a man, excel academically, earn prestigious bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and, most importantly, play the game I love. To my coaches: thank you for molding me into the person and player I am today and for fostering bonds with my brothers that will last a lifetime.”

An Atlanta native, Lay was rated as one of the top five tight ends or H-Backs in the nation by ESPN and Rivals coming out of Riverdale High School.