One of the most impressive players in this year’s draft isn’t playing in the Senior Bowl.
But Jadeveon Clowney thought it was important to be in Mobile, Ala., anyway.
The early entry defensive end from South Carolina was hanging around practices yesterday, using the week to meet with NFL teams.
“It’s very valuable to put a face with a name, and be out here watching the guys,” Clowney said, via Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. “It’s something to experience.”
The next time anyone sees Clowney work will be next month at the Combine, where he has vowed to do all the drills to showcase his elite athletic skills.
That will help allay any fears about his production dipping his junior year (from 13.0 sacks to 3.0), as he worked through some injuries. That created doubt about how hard he was pushing, but Clowney said he was ready to work.
“It’s very special,” he said. “I’m just going to take advantage of it and train and get better and just compete. I’m gifted and my work ethic is also going to set me apart.”
If he can convince other teams of that, his wait on draft day won’t be a long one, at all.