Jadeveon Clowney does not lack for confidence and he has plenty of reasons to feel that way. Fresh off winning the ESPY for Best Play due to the crush hit he placed on a Michigan running back last season, the defensive end has plenty of players nervous and he knows it.
While attending SEC Media Days in Hoover, Ala., Clowney noted that many quarterbacks, including Tahj Boyd of Clemson and Aaron Murray of Georgia were scared to face him. Murray responded by saying that he not necessarily scared of Clowney, but more just respects him as a player.
"You know, I think the word 'fear' was misused for respect," Murray said. "I'll definitely have a lot of respect for him. He's one of it not the best player in the country...A guy that you really do have to gameplan for and set a plan for him. I'm definitely not scared. But definitely respect greatly what he's able to do on the field."
Georgia head coach Mark Richt certainly would not blame his quarterback for being scared of the defensive end out of South Carolina. Richt responded to Clowney's comments by saying that he would be terrified of the player coming after him on the field. Way to instill confidence to your players, coach.
LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger echoed those statements. After the loss to South Carolina, Mettenberger noted that Clowney and several teammates threatened him before the game began.
"Just like anybody, you've got the big guy who just looks scary, and then you've got the little pipsqueak who can't do anything himself who likes to talk because he's got the big guy next to him," Mettenberger said.
The LSU quarterback is certainly hoping his offensive line can keep Clowney in check this season. He notes that on size alone, quarterbacks have a reason to be scared of the defensive end.
Murray is refusing to admit fear, more saying that players just have to pay attention to where Clowney is at all time and practice preparing to take a hit from him or block him if necessary. Murray was on the wrong side of Georgia's game against South Carolina last year. The Bulldogs got beat 35-7 last season, much thanks to the pressure put on by Clowney. Murray will test his fear against the defensive end when the two sides meet up in Athens Sept. 7.
