South Carolina legend Jadeveon Clowney named one of CBS Sports' most dynamic players since 2000

South Carolina football legend Jadeveon Clowney is one of the best players ever to play college football. Demonstrating his dominance, the Palmetto State native owns multiple Gamecock all-time, single-season, and single-game records. Clowney’s career in garnet and black included All-American honors, a Ted Hendricks Award win, three 11-win seasons at a program that had none before his arrival, and zero losses to Clemson. Quite simply, he was one of the best defenders in USC and SEC history.

This week, CBS Sports’ Brad Crawford released his top 25 most dynamic football players since the year 2000. (Active players were not eligible.) Unsurprisingly, Clowney made the cut. The 2014 NFL Draft’s No. 1 overall selection slotted in at No. 21 on CBS Sports’ list. He was the third defensive player on the list. Clowney trailed only Colorado hybrid player Travis Hunter (6) and LSU defensive back Tyrann Mathieu (11). He was one of seven players on the list who played in the SEC.

Said Crawford about Clowney, “The former No. 1 overall pick was so much more than ‘The Hit’ against Michigan. Clowney was a menace off the edge for the Gamecocks as a true freshman and that carried through an All-American sophomore season ending with his bone-crushing hit of running back Vincent Smith in Clowney’s final college game. He had a 4.5-sack outing during a win over Clemson in 2012 and made a career highlight package against quarterback Aaron Murray in games against Georgia. Go back and watch the tape — there may not be a former SEC player who was held more in his career than Clowney, who still managed 24 sacks and 48 tackles for losses.”

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If Clowney’s spot seems somewhat low, it’s because the list wasn’t made with simply the best 25 players in mind. Crawford defined “dynamic” as players who “jumped off of the screen in the biggest moments of the biggest games.” While that designation still applies to Clowney (hence his spot in the top 25), he likely would have been even higher on a “best players” list.

Clowney also recently picked up the distinction of making ESPN’s No. 11 play since 2000. “The Hit” from South Carolina’s Outback Bowl victory over Michigan was the choice.

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