NFL Draft 2014: FanSided one-on-one with Jadeveon Clowney

Quarterbacks seem to always take center stage in regards to hype and drama leading up to the 2014 NFL Draft, but this season, the guys at that position have some stiff competition for that top overall spot in the form of one of the fiercest defensive players to ever grace a college football field, South Carolina’s Jadeveon Clowney.

From the time he was in high school, we’ve followed his journey as many expected that he could have played at the professional level at the ripe age of 18.

However, because of the rules preventing that, Clowney headed off to South Carolina to play for the Gamecocks for Steve Spurrier, and he cemented himself as one of the greatest of all-time, mainly because of plays like this…

Now though, after three years in college, 85 tackles and 24 sacks, it’s time for Clowney to make his mark at the next level, and I recently had the chance to sit down and talk with him as he prepares for the biggest moment of his life.

Jack Jorgensen: Thank you for taking the time, Jadeveon. Firstly, Aaron Murray, Eric Ebron and yourself have partnered up with Gillette Deodorant to bring us the Pressure Points series. Give me a little bit of insight on that, if you would, please.

Jadeveon Clowney: The Pressure Points series gives the fans the opportunity to watch us go through preparation for the NFL Draft. You can watch us go through all the Combine training and everything that we do. You get a good look at how we prepare.

JJ: Speaking of Draft preparation, how satisfied have you been so far with your workouts and what you’ve done so far to impress the NFL scouts?

JC: I’ve been very satisfied, actually. I’ve worked hard and done everything that I possibly could do. Now all that’s left is to work a little harder and get ready for my Pro Day on April 2.

JJ: It’s no secret that the hype, as we lead up to the Draft, is starting to center itself around the three quarterbacks (Manziel, Bortles, Bridgewater), but what I want to know is why should Bill O’Brien and the Houston Texans take you number one overall?

JC: Simply, I’m the best player in this draft. I’m a great teammate, and just a great guy to be around. I’ll work hard for any team that takes me and I’ll help them win football games.

JJ:  If the Texans do choose to go the quarterback route, and pass on you, is there any preference you have as to where you would like to play, personally?

JC: If I don’t go to Houston, I would probably like to stay close to home and play for either the Jacksonville Jaguars (who own the third pick) or Atlanta Falcons (who own the sixth pick) .

JJ: If there were people who didn’t know you prior to the 2013 calendar year, they knew who you were after that hit on Michigan RB Vincent Smith in the Outback Bowl. Aside from that, though, what was your favorite moment–or moments–while playing for South Carolina?

JC: I’d probably have to say beating Clemson in the rivalry every year that I was there. I had five sacks against them two years ago, and two against them last year. Also, finishing fourth in the country last year was pretty special.

JJ: Lastly, one issue that the media seems to have with you is the supposed taking plays off last year. How do you respond to those people?

JC: I just laugh at them. All you have to do is watch the tape. Any team that gets me is getting one of the hardest workers around and someone that’s going to help them win football games.

You can participate in the Gillette Deodorant Wonderlic Test and see how you stack up in the NFL world by visiting GillettePressurePoints.com and potentially earn a trip to Phoeniz, AZ to go through a real-life combine experience.