Jadeveon Clowney Added To Multiple Watchlists For 2013

January 1,2013; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) rushes as Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

South Carolina fans have been believers in Jadeveon Clowney since he first stepped foot on the field in Columbia.  However, after a devastating blow, labeled “The Hit,” Jadeveon Clowney solidified his prominence in the college football landscape.  Presumably the number one pick in the 2014 draft, Clowney  enters the upcoming season with much hype surrounding his name.  As a Heisman contender, Jadeveon Clowney’s name was added to two more watch lists earlier this week.

Jadeveon Clowney was added to the Bednarik award watch list this week.  The Bednarik award is given to the nation’s top defensive player.  Clowney followed up an impressive freshman year with an even more dominant sophomore campaign, tallying thirteen sacks in eleven games. Jadeveon Clowney has mentioned that he would like to break the NCAA All-Time sack record during his junior season.  This will be his chance to prove that he is the nation’s best defensive presence, since it is understood that he will not return to Columbia to join the Gamecocks for his senior season.

Not only does Clowney have the opportunity to be named the nation’s top defensive player, but he also has the opportunity to be named the most outstanding player in the country for 2013.  The Maxwell award is presented to the consensus choice for the best football player in the NCAA.  Clowney will have stiff competition for the Maxwell award within the SEC.  Johnny Manziel has also been named to the Maxwell award watch list.  Manziel had an impressive 2012 season, and shocked the world in walking away with the Heisman.  However, Manziel was not the recipient of the Maxwell award.  Notre Dame linebacker, Manti Te’o, took home the prestigious honor.

It goes without saying, that Clowney is a much more impressive specimen than Te’o.  Te’o was surrounded by a cast that willed him to the spotlight and eventually the Maxwell and Bednarik award in 2012.  Clowney should be more than capable to do the same en route to finishing his illustrious collegiate career.  South Carolina fans should be ready to watch Jadeveon Clowney carry his team to many victories in 2013 as well as some hardware at the end of the season.