My Guy Friend is starting to like me but...?

This Guy & I been friends for a couple of years. We talk all the time(text) but now he seems to like me, and im not interested. He is becoming really clingy kind of and its ticking me of. So I started ignoring his text and he texted me three times since wondering why i have not been responding. (but im still ignoring) I would love to tell him, i need space & just to leave me alone for a bit. He is not annoying at all, its just im starting to sense changes in our convo's lately so i want to stop it all together before he tries anything. I have an issue with being distant & I go M.I.A. for no reason at times with my friends. As much as i want friends soooo bad, im thankful he is the only one that talks to me and stuff. But im listening to my heart not my brain, on my part i simply see him as a friend. But to me he see's it as an oppurtunity to eventually get me someday to some extent... I feel bad ignoring him, but all i want is friendship and nothing else. It has nothing to do with him, he's hot or w.e. but still. Im very cautious so i choose wisely about boyfriends in which i rarely have; but long stoyry short i don't want him.........WHAT DO U THINK??----> Thank you for all answers in advance