COLUMBIA, S.C. — Clemson’s highly regarded defense took several big hits Wednesday with cornerback Mackensie Alexander, safeties Jayron Kearse and T.J. Green and defensive end Kevin Dodd declaring for the NFL draft.

The four starters join All-American defensive end Shaq Lawson in forgoing the remainder of their college eligibility for the pros.

“The world got to see what Clemson was all about” in Monday night’s national title game, Alexander posted on Instagram. “I have no doubt the Tigers will be in Tampa this time next year.”

Getting back to the national championship will be significantly harder with the defensive departures.

Alexander is considered one of the college game’s top cornerbacks and like Lawson, is a possible first-round NFL draft pick. Alexander had a hamstring problem in Clemson’s 45-40 loss to Alabama this past Monday and missed the second half.

Kearse and Green are tall, hard-hitting safeties capable of playing the run.

Dodd teamed with Lawson to for nearly 25 sacks and 50 tackles behind the line of scrimmage (Lawson had 12.5 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss, Dodd had 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss).

Kearse, Green and Dodd announced their choices to skip their senior seasons on Wednesday. Alexander was a third-year sophomore who could’ve played two more seasons with the Tigers.

Dodd issued a statement through his new representatives, Element Sports Group. Alexander, Kearse and Green posted messages on Intstagram about their decisions.

Dodd, a 6-foot-5, 280-pound lineman who turns 24 in July, was second in the country with 23.5 tackles for loss behind Lawson, the Atlantic Coast Conference defensive player of the year. Dodd had three of Clemson’s five sacks in the 45-40 loss to Alabama in the national championship game Monday night.

Dodd spoke with his family before making a final decision.

“I truly feel like I am physically and mentally ready for the next challenge,” he said.