Best college football players of all time from every state

South Carolina – Jadeveon Clowney

There were many options for this selection, but there’s only one real choice, and it’s Jadeveon Clowney.

The only thing you should need to know to see Clowney’s college success should come from the fact that he was a No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 draft. Clowney was largely recognized as the best player in football coming out of his high school days in Rock Hill, South Carolina, but it was his immediate impact with the University of South Carolina Gamecocks that caught the nation’s attention.

Clowney was named the SEC Freshman of the Year and set an SEC record with eight sacks as a true freshman. It got even better for Clowney, however, as he was named a unanimous All-American and was SEC Defensive player of the year in his sophomore campaign. One of the most elite defensive talents of all time in college football, he was constantly brought up in the Heisman conversation.

However, by his junior (and NFL Draft-eligible) season, teams in the SEC had it figured out, and constantly put a double and even triple team on Clowney. In addition to a few sustained injuries, Clowney’s production suffered. He was still a big help for the Gamecocks, however, as they won 11 games for the third consecutive season in the school’s best historical stretch.

Clowney may have won the Heisman if a few things had gone his way, but one thing is for sure- any list that denies Clowney as the best college player from South Carolina, isn’t one you should trust.