Clowney Clowning Injury?

Clowney Clowning Injury?

    Does Jadeveon Clowney care about the rest of his amateur career at South Carolina? Should he? In light of recent criticism of Clowney's decision to sit out of Carolina's 35-28 victory over Kentucky this weekend, doubters have arisen and spoken out against the superstar defensive end "saving himself for the NFL". Clowney, a potential #1 overall draft pick next year and preseason Heisman Trophy candidate, has, in all reality, eliminated his already slim chance of becoming the first defensive player to win a Heisman with lackluster play in the season's first few weeks, especially against rival North Carolina. If a Heisman Trophy is not within reach for Clowney, and acknowledging that South Carolina does not have the talent to make a run at the National Championship game, many wonder what there is for Clowney to play for, and risk injury during, at South Carolina.

    Is Clowney wrong in sitting out of regular season games this year at South Carolina preparing for a lengthy run of success in the NFL? Absolutely not. Many believe Clowney is not nearly as hurt as he claims. Even head coach, and former Heisman winner himself, Steve Spurrier, criticized the star end for sitting out the entirety of the Kentucky game. Spurrier was quoted when asked about the status of the injured star, "I would welcome Clowney to play for the team if he wants. But if he doesn't want to play, he doesn't have to play. Simple as that." With his draft stock not in question, for now, Clowney is smart for going against conventional thinking in football by saving himself while hurting the team by not playing. But millions of dollars await the 6'6" end in the NFL, and if it means Steve Spurrier has to go without Clowney for parts of this season, so be it.