South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney was set to be the star of the Monday edition of the NFL Scouting Combine, and so far he is running away with the spotlight. Clowney was clocked with an unofficial 4.47 in his first 40-yard dash of the day. Talk about SEC speed.
Just last week South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier said Clowney’s work ethic was “OK,” but said he will be worthy of strong consideration for the top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. With a lightning fast 40-time this morning, the case for picking him first is becoming stronger.
Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel has been vocal about his desire to be the first pick, which is owned by the Houston Texans. Manziel led the quarterback pack in the 40-yard dash time over the weekend with a 4.68 time. Clowney beat him by .21 seconds, with a bigger frame. Impressive.
Times in the 40-yard dash are just one factor in to determining a player’s value of course, but Clowney’s explosive speed and splits in the 40-yard dash are going to be the talk of the day and perhaps the combine leading up to the draft.