DeStefano Has Career-Ending Shoulder Injury

CLEMSON, SC – Clemson red-shirt freshman offensive lineman Patrick DeStefano will no longer play football for the Tigers. The native of Spartanburg, SC and Dorman High School has a career ending shoulder problem, Head Coach Dabo Swinney announced after practice on Wednesday.

“I am very disappointed to announce that Patrick DeStefano will no longer play football here,” said Swinney. “Over the last couple of weeks he has had a problem with ‘stingers’ and they just weren’t going away. He had a lot of tests on his neck and shoulders, had discussions with doctors and decided it was best for his future that he give up football.

“I really hate to hear this because I think he was on his way to becoming a great player. He was really doing well. It is a shame, but it is the right decision. He, will remain on scholarship and will continue to be a part of this program.”

DeStefano red-shirted the 2012 season as a freshman, then played in each of the first two games this season, 13 snaps against fifth ranked Georgia as a tight end, and 58 plays at tackle against South Carolina State.

DeStefano was an ESPN top 150 player coming out of high school as he was ranked as the 115th best overall player in the nation. He was ranked as high as the 66th best overall player by Tom Lemming. He played in the Shrine Bowl and in the Under Armour All-America game. He was also the South Carolina Coaches Association Lineman of the Week as well.