WATCH: Sam Pittman calls Jadeveon Clowney the 'best college defensive end, maybe ever'
On the SEC Network set with Marty Smith and Ryan McGee, Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman recently revealed who he believes are some of the best players he’s ever coached against. Like most offensive coaches who were in the SEC from 2011-2013, Pittman says there’s one player who stands out as an “unstoppable” force – former South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.
“Jadeveon Clowney was the best college defensive end in maybe ever, in college,” Pittman said. “He was unstoppable.”
Pittman coached offensive lines against Clowney with two different teams, with the Tennessee Vols in 2012 and with the Arkansas Razorbacks in 2013. Both times, Clowney’s Gamecocks took the victory. Although the Hogs held Clowney to two tackles, he had four tackles, including a sack, the year prior versus the Vols.
The former number one overall pick out of South Carolina had a slow start to his career with the Houston Texans due to injuries. In his third season, however, he found his stride, reaching three straight Pro Bowls before the Texans ultimately traded him.
After a stint with the Seattle Seahawks and the Tennessee Titans, Clowney signed with the Browns last year. He recorded nine sacks and 19 quarterback hits.
Before landing on Clowney, the head hog asked whether he could name three players from the same team. He pointed to the Alabama 2021 squad with Jameson Williams, Bryce Young and Will Anderson. Pittman clearly hasn’t forgotten the 42-35 loss in Tuscaloosa last season. The Razorbacks will face Young and Anderson again on Oct. 1, this time at home in Fayetteville.