Criticism of Jadeveon Clowney’s Performance in Season Opener is Fair


Jadeveon Clowney‘s 2013 season didn’t exactly get off to the start many thought it would. Clowney has received as much hype as any player in college football this summer and deservedly so. It’s not all that often a defensive player is a real candidate to win the Heisman trophy, but it’s a reality with the South Carolina defensive end. However, his performance Thursday night against North Carolina is drawing quite a bit of criticism from people across the sports world.

Clowney recorded three tackles in the Gamecocks’ win over the Tar Heels Thursday night, but at the same time, he looked out of it. The ‘it’ to most people, is shape. Clowney flat out looked bushed for portions of the contest and as a result he failed to record a sack.

Some people across the internet are killing Clowney for his lackluster performance, but I think most of it has been blown out of proportion. We are talking about the first game of the year and it’s not like lots of players across the NCAA aren’t also out of shape. But when you have expectations to live up to like Clowney does, people are going to start to talk. It just comes with the territory.

I’m not going to lie, as a football fan,  I was disappointed with his effort. It would have been nice to see him start his Heisman campaign off with a couple of sacks. But what happened is now in the past, and I’m willing to bet he will turn things around starting next weekend against Georgia. If he doesn’t, then it’s okay to really rip on him.

Related:

Gamecocks Dominate Tar Heels in Season Opener

 

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Be sure to check out the Rant Sports 100 in 100 Series, a preview of the top 100 College Football Teams for the 2013 Season!



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