This week's question for the Gamecocks Great Debate -> What are your expectations for Clowney in 2013?
The sporting world is now on a first name basis with South Carolina's outstanding defensive end Jadaveon Clowney. He grew from a recruiting legend to a stand out freshman to a full blown superstar by the end of his sophomore campaign. A blockbuster hit/forced and recovered fumble made Clowney a SportsCenter fixture and a popular player heading into 2013. Like David Pollack's strip sack against the Gamecocks 10 years ago, Clowney's decapitation of a Michigan tailback will surely be the defining play of his collegiate career. The only downside to that is some people, fans and analysts alike, will expect that play to become the standard rather than the career highlight that it is. I fully expect Clowney to be a top 3 overall draft pick and be on a the All American teams; however I fear his production may not match the hype some people have created. Clowney can have 14 sacks, more TFLs, multiple turnovers ans passes defenses but not have that one spectacular highlight, and some people will find fault. This is unfortunate but it is the instant highlight 'best ever' culture that social media and ESPN have created. I think Clowney will have an outstanding season, but it may not have the career defining play. Either way, it will be a special season to watch.
Many casual football fans don't understand defensive play very well. Take those people who thought Stephon Gilmore underachieved because they didn't hear his name called. In Gilmore's case, he was so effective, most quarterbacks didn't throw to his side very often.
You can expect more of that approach against Clowney. Teams will try to neutralize him, and if he draws enough attention, he could literally put up zeros and be the most valuable player. Expect to see double teams with a running back chipping him on passing plays. He most certainly won't make tackles on those plays, but he will be taking out roughly 27% of the offense with him.
Against the running game teams may try to run at him. There are plenty of plays that rely on the backside defensive end remaining unblocked. Clowney's football IQ and speed make running that play away from him a risky proposition. We saw several instances last season where Jadeveon simply ran down the play before the running back hit the line.
To answer the question more directly, I expect Clowney to be a force that changes the way the offense attacks Carolina. They have to game plan for him and then account for him on every play. His numbers may not change much from last season to this season, but that will not be the measure of his effectiveness. You won't be able to find his worth in the box score; his value is the changes and sacrifices opposing offenses are required to make.
Expectations for Clowney is simple – be a force on the defensive line every down no matter the double team, be a leader of the program, let actions speak louder than words, don't give up on any play and increase 2012 stats by 10% across the board.
LJ:
I have a feeling the hype and overexposure will play a factor in Clowney's 2013 stats. Just like the Michigan game last year, he was contained for most of the game, until he unleashed the hit of the year on Vincent Smith. The national media will get restless if he is not producing a highlight reel. I don't think USC needs him to be a highlight reel but a consistent force on the line. Being disruptive and causing the opposing QB to make mistakes will a be enough of a boost to make the 2013 South Carolina Defense a contender in the SEC East.
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