Entering into the 2013 college football season, Johnny Manziel is not the only name making headlines. There is a certain defensive end down in South Carolina that made the most memorable play of 2012 and he is coming back looking better than ever. Jadeveon Clowney is flat out scary and he knows it.
The world might still be feeling the aftershock of the beat down Clowney put on Michigan in the team's bowl game. While speaking at SEC Media Days, Clowney noted that plenty of quarterbacks should be and are scared of him.
Specifically naming quarterbacks of rival teams, Clowney told media that Tajh Boyd of Clemson and Aaron Murray of Georgia are all scared to face him. If any of the quarterbacks saw the hit Clowney placed on Michigan running back Vincent Smith in the Outback Bowl, they have a right to be scared.
The defensive end finished last season with 13 sacks, second most in the Southeastern Conference. He recorded 4.5 sacks alone in the season finale game against Clemson. Perhaps Boyd has yet to recover from the game? Murray was never sacked by Clowney, but expect that to possibly change this year.
Clowney does not seek out trash talking or the media spotlight. Since having a breakout 2012 season, the defensive end is all anyone can talk about.
"I don't seejk out the media. I don't post pictures. I don't tweet. I stay off the Internet...I tell myself, 'Just stay humble.' You've got to stay on top of your game. You know what you can do but you can always get better," Clowney said.
Johnny Manziel could learn a thing or two from the projected Heisman candidate. His approach to his recent fame is a clear contrast to that of the current Heisman winner. The two are both in a position to have strong seasons and fight over being the No. 1 overall draft pick next season.
Clowney spent the offseason continuing to train and get better with the idea that the NFL is waiting. His teammates are certainly bragging about the work the defensive end has taken. Clowney's teammate Mike Davis tweeted out that the defensive end ran a 4.46 40-yard dash time. Then South Carolina finished spring workouts, a 40-yard dash was required for each player.
If Clowney continues to lay hits like he did last season and run at those speeds, he is a lock for the Heisman and the No. 1 draft pick. Clowney is not concerned with the Heisman trophy. While saying it is a nice honor, his ultimate goal is a crystal ball trophy and a national championship.
