When South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier discussed Jadeveon Clowney’s work ethic, he said that Clowney didn’t work as hard as former South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore. But Lattimore says Clowney’s work ethic is not a concern.
Lattimore, who sat out last year with an injury but is expected to get on the field for the 49ers this year, said on SiriusXM NFL Radio that he believes the Texans should take Clowney first overall, and that Clowney will do all the work an NFL player should do.
“He loves football,” Lattimore said of Clowney. “That guy loves football and that’s why he’s striving to be great. Once he gets around those veteran guys -- say he gets around J.J. Watt, he’s going to see all the success he’s had, and all his practice habits, and what he has to do, he’s going to feed on that and he’s going to be fine.”
Lattimore thinks any team that passes on Clowney will regret it.
“After that 40 time, and just the athlete he is, I don’t see why he wouldn’t go No. 1,” Lattimore said. “I mean, why would you pass on a guy that can impact your team from Day One? He’s a freak athlete, he can run like a deer and he’s powerful, and he can get to the quarterback. It just makes perfect sense -- I don’t understand why you wouldn’t take him No. 1.”
If the Texans fall in love with a quarterback, that would be one reason not to take Clowney No. 1. But if they’re looking to draft the most talented football player, it’s hard to argue for anyone other than Clowney.