Clowney placed sixth in Heisman voting for the 2012 award, but it’s been over 15 years since the first – and last – primarily defensive player, Charles Woodson, won the Heisman Trophy. Clowney’s stellar list of accolades speaks for itself and proves why the Gamecock could be the first true defensive player to win the award.
Surely there’s competition. Last year’s Heisman recipient, SEC quarterback Johnny Manziel, is seen by many as the favorite going into next year, but if Clowney has as hot of a season this year as he had last, his name is sure to be in legitimate contention.
The 6-foot-6, 274-pound defensive end was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2012 (a first for a South Carolina player) and became the first true sophomore to win the Hendricks Award for most outstanding defensive end. He was named first-team All SEC and statistically, Clowney recorded 13 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss, which tied for third and second in the nation respectively.
His freshman season was just as outstanding. In one of the most highly competitive collegiate divisions, Clowney was awarded the SEC Freshman of the Year award and was named to the second-team All SEC.
What sets Clowney apart from his peers is his speed and physicality, his ability to get off the ball and on the edge. His most memorable play, which was recently nominated for a 2013 ESPY for “Best Play”, came in the 2013 Outback Bowl. Known as “the hit”, Clowney stopped Michigan running back Vincent Smith in the backfield for a loss of eight yards while forcing a fumble and recovering the fumble himself. His play gave the ball back to the Gamecocks with great field position and led to an eventual touchdown. In the Outback Bowl broadcast, former NFL head coach now turned ESPN analyst Jon Gruden said, “Not many guys I’ve ever seen can get off the ball and rock people like Clowney.” His quickness and agility to get off the ball force turnovers is a skill set that is comparable to NFL defensive linemen.
Even though it’s only June, Clowney is expected to be the first overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Former scout and now NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah called Clowney “on another planet” and gave him the highest grade he’s ever given a defensive lineman.
If there are criticisms of Clowney, it’s that contrary to the Outback Bowl play, he’s had trouble stopping the run and has taken plays off at times, but chances are he’ll make improvements for his junior season. He’s a game changer. If he can have more consistently big moments like his Outback Bowl play as well as the blindside sack/strip he had on Tennessee’s quarterback Tyler Bray, his plays will silence his doubters.
Pending Clowney stays healthy this fall, he could set South Carolina’s school sack record. He only needs nine sacks to break the record of 29 and being that his stats have gone up from his freshman to sophomore year (8 to 13), he should be able to clinch this record during his time as a junior and hopefully hoist the Heisman in December.
- Hayley Elwood
@hayleyelwood
hayley.projectcfb@gmail.com
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