Jadeveon Clowney's Illustrious College Career at South Carolina

Jadeveon Davarus Clowney, born on February 14, 1993, is an American professional football linebacker. Clowney's college career at the University of South Carolina was marked by exceptional performance and numerous accolades, solidifying his status as one of the most dominant defensive players in college football. His impact on the Gamecocks program was such that his number is set to be honored during halftime of South Carolina's first game of the season against Georgia State at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 3.

High School Foundation

Clowney's journey to college football stardom began at South Pointe High School in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Even as a freshman standing at 6'3" and weighing 200 lbs in 2007, his athletic prowess was evident while playing running back and defensive end for the junior varsity team. By his sophomore year, he became a permanent fixture at defensive end, joining rising seniors Stephon Gilmore and DeVonte Holloman on the varsity team.

During his high school career, Clowney was often regarded as the best player in his class. ESPN described him as "a special talent who could have vied for the top spot in several previous classes." Both major recruiting services, Rivals.com and Scout.com, as well as ESPNU, considered Clowney not only a five-star recruit but also the consensus No. 1 player in the nation.

Early High School Years

In 2008, South Pointe achieved a perfect 15-0 season, capturing the South Carolina AAAAAA Division 1 title with a 35-14 victory over Northwestern High. Despite battling a bone spur in his foot for much of the season, Clowney recorded 17 sacks. The team finished No. 3 in the MaxPreps high school ranking.

Upperclassman Dominance

Following the graduation of 31 seniors, Clowney continued to lead South Pointe, achieving a 10-4 record and a state semifinal appearance in his junior year. He amassed 144 tackles and 23 sacks that season. In his senior year, Clowney tallied 162 tackles, 29.5 sacks, 29 tackles for loss, 11 forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries, scoring five touchdowns on defense. He helped lead his team to a 13-2 record and a state finals appearance.

Accolades and Recognition

Clowney's high school achievements earned him numerous accolades, including being named South Carolina's 2010 Mr. Football. He participated in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, recording 5 tackles and 3 sacks, and the Under Armour All-America Game, where he was the leading tackler with seven tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Recruitment

Clowney was offered scholarships by many schools, and in a live broadcast on ESPN on his eighteenth birthday, February 14, 2011, he announced his commitment to South Carolina, selecting the Gamecocks over Clemson, Alabama, LSU, and Florida State. He was the third-straight South Carolina "Mr. Football" to sign with the Gamecocks, following in the footsteps of his South Pointe teammate Gilmore, and Duncan Byrnes' Marcus Lattimore.

Arrival at South Carolina

Clowney's impact was immediate upon arriving at the University of South Carolina. He became the first freshman to start on the defensive line since Travian Robertson in 2007, starting in the season opener against East Carolina.

2011: Freshman Year

In his debut, Clowney recorded seven tackles, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hurry. He recorded his first career sack against Georgia. He strip-sacked Murray, and teammate Melvin Ingram returned the fumble for a touchdown. Against Vanderbilt, Clowney forced two fumbles, including one recovered by Ingram for a touchdown. He recorded a sack, forced fumble, and two quarterback hurries against Mississippi State.

Clowney's freshman season concluded with 36 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 8.0 sacks, ranking him eighth in the SEC. He also logged five forced fumbles. He was named the SEC Freshman of the Year by the league’s coaches and the SEC Defensive Freshman of the Year by Rivals.com. He also earned first-team Freshman All-America honors from multiple publications and was an honorable mention All-American by SI.com.

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2012: Sophomore Year - A Season of Dominance

Clowney's sophomore season was nothing short of spectacular, cementing his status as the best defensive player in college football. He set the school single-season record for sacks (13.0) and tackles for loss (23.5). He also amassed 54 tackles (40 solo) and 3 forced fumbles.

He was named the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week for his efforts against UAB when he was credited with seven tackles with 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. In the 27-17 win over Clemson, he sacked Tigers quarterback Tajh Boyd for a single-game school record 4.5 times, earning SEC Defensive Player and Defensive Lineman of the Week honors again. The 4.5 sacks was also a Clemson Memorial Stadium record, topping the previous mark jointly held by Notre Dame's Ross Browner (1977) and Virginia Tech's Bruce Smith (1984), both College Football Hall of Famers.

Clowney became the first sophomore to win the Hendricks Award. Along with being a Unanimous All-American, Clowney won the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation's best defensive end, securing nearly two-thirds of the final vote. He also was a finalist for the Nagurski Trophy, Rotary Lombardi Award and Bednarik awards. He finished sixth in the Heisman balloting, becoming the first Gamecock to earn SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors.

2013: Junior Year and NFL Draft Projections

In the Outback Bowl on January 1, 2013, Clowney helped the Gamecocks to a 33-28 victory over the Michigan Wolverines. He gained instant fame for a hit on Michigan running back Vincent Smith that came with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter, after a controversial first down call in Michigan's favor.

As early as January 2013, Clowney was projected as a top-three selection in the 2014 NFL draft. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper, Jr. said, "Clowney's a rare talent, basically to the defensive end spot what Andrew Luck and RG3 were to the quarterback position. These type of prospects just don't come along very often." NFL media analyst Bucky Brooks described Clowney as a “meaner, nastier version of Julius Peppers.”

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Clowney's injuries, as well as his mediocre performance early in his junior season reportedly did not scare NFL executives. Late September 2013 mock drafts still ranked Clowney among the top-two picks. After the college season concluded, Clowney was still projected No. 1 overall.

College Statistics and Records

In three years in South Carolina, Clowney racked up 130 total tackles, 24.0 sacks, 9 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovered. He set South Carolina school records in quarterback sacks (13) and tackles for a loss (23.5) per season. He ranks second in program history with 47 career tackles for a loss, third with 24 sacks and first with nine forced fumbles in three college seasons.

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