The legend of Jadeveon Clowney grows. Within the last week the University of South Carolina superstar was the subject of a New York Times feature (here) as well as an ESPN special in which virtually everyone interviewed referred to him as a “freak.”
As in “freak of nature.”
Missed it?
Take a look …
(Click to play)
Seizing upon this nickname, several USC fans are preparing to honor Clowney with his own flag … a garnet banner with the letters “F-R-E-A-K” emblazoned in black.
How cool is that!
Clowney enters 2013 with more hype than any player in the University of South Carolina’s 120-year history – and more hype than perhaps any defensive player in NCAA history. The 6-foot-6, 274-pound defensive end is a legitimate threat to win the Heisman Trophy, and is likely to be the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft next spring.
Can the 20-year-old superstar live up to all of the advance billing?
So far Clowney has exceeded all of the lofty expectations set for him – earning unanimous All-American honors in 2012 with a school record 13 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss. Oh … and he accomplished all of that without being in tip top shape.
This year Clowney says he’s ready to play 100 percent on every down … which could give a whole new meaning to the term “freak.”
12 comments
Yea, Freak is about right. I had no idea he got sub 4.5 on the 40.
Big Time Freak show.
He isn’t even done growing yet either….I wonder if he’ll eclipse Reggie White & Bruce Smith.
YES – I am ready for some F-O-O-T-B-A-L-L !!
“I’m gonna raise my freak flag high.”-Jimi Hendrix
“So far Clowney has exceeded all of the lofty expectations set for him…..”. All this pre-season hype is great fun & like nearly everyone in Columbia, I’m all in for Clowney & the Gamecocks’ success; but I’d recommend keeping it in some perspective. If he doesn’t cannabalize the opposing QB on the first defensive play, there’ll be hand wringing & bitter disappointment. I’d suggest caution with this “F-R-E-A-K” stuff.
I agree. He could play even better than he did last year as far as doing what he is supposed to do on each play within the design of the defense and not post the same stats he did last year. It is not that hard to game plan for a dominant player to prevent THAT PLAYER from making big plays. Of course, by limiting the other team’s playbook (e.g. forcing them to devote a 2nd blocker, running constant screens in the space he vacates in his rush, running plays designed to get the QB out of the pocket away from Clowney, etc.) Clowney would still be having a huge impact on the game and opening up opportunities for teammates to take advantage of one on one blocking.
I hope he gets through this season fine, but if Clowney gets crippled like Marcus Lattimore and blows a huge NFL contract due to injuries playing for USC, I will have another name for Clowney – IDIOT.
As opposed to what? He is not eligible for the draft, so the only place he can play football this year is for USC. And if he were to not play, those same talking heads trying to stir the pot by suggesting he sit out the year would turn around and attack him as a selfish mercenary who turned his back on his teammates, which would impact his draft status.
He looks like the Predator. I sure would hate to be on the other side.
Hope he can stay healthy.
He has acted like he was half dead tonight
I think SUPER FREAK!
If he doesn’t gert injured, he is going to kick a lot of ass!
If Clowney has a flag, does that make him a country? I’ll bet Eddie Izzard would know.
im so sick of hearing about this boy thug. one look at him i known what he is. when he was actin like he was coming to Clemson i knew we didnt want him and dont think Dabo didnt tell him neither. we dont want filling station robing thugs at clemson and he wont do shit again us this year anyhows.
coots watch a real team on saturday. gametime will be there with all the natinal media and you have to play on thursday to try to get noticed. we are a national brand with walmart and micro soft and your chickens. ahahahaha!