Remember Jadeveon Clowney, the big bad South Carolina defensive end that was predicted as a likely No. 1 draft pick over the likes of Johnny Manziel and Teddy Bridgewater? Ok, Clowney might be having a slightly smaller season than some predicted. No one has been crushed under the weight of his hits yet. After sitting out the Gamecock's matchup against Kentucky, questions are being raised about Clowney's commitment to college and whether or not he is still a top draft pick.
Steve Spurrier admits the team handled Clowney's injury wrong after downplaying the defensive end's muscle strain, questioning his commitment to the team this season. Spurrier was quoted saying that if Clowney wanted to play then he was more than welcome to join the team. That sent a fire storm of rumors wondering if the college star was sitting out the year in preparation for the NFL.
"He was in pain. It was diagnosed later, and obviously we all handled it poorly. All of us did," Spurrier said, via ESPN.com. "I'm all for Jadeveon and his future, and when he's ready to play, we're going to put him out there."
Clowney is questionable for Saturday's game against Arkansas, but the defensive end is stressing that he is fully committed to playing the year with South Carolina. He is not looking to sit out the remainder of the year in order to stay healthy for the upcoming NFL draft. With Clowney expected to be taken with a top pick, the idea that he would sit out is not crazy.
"Am I fully committed? Always,'' Clowney said. "I could've sat out. I'm not looking to sit out. I'm not that type of guy. I'm here for the team.''
Despite the words, there are still questions about whether or not Clowney can be relied on in the NFL. When the defensive end has been healthy this year, he has been extremely quiet. Some questioned whether or not he approached the season in shape after looking noticeably tired in the team's season opener. He barely touched quarterback Aaron Murray when South Carolina faced Georgia. Despite the small numbers, NFL Draft expert Todd McShay says Clowney is still a top five draft pick.
Most expect no repercussions for Clowney's up and down season when it comes to his draft status. NFL teams are well aware of what he is capable of whether or not he wins the Heisman trophy or takes another snap of college football again. McShay believes that as long as Clowney is healthy come the combine and works out well, he will be taken very early.