Tag: University of South Carolina

Panthers OLB Jadeveon Clowney is tired of hearing about ‘The Hit’

Even Robert Plant got tired of playing “Stairway to Heaven” at some point.

Jadeveon Clowney is more than just a one-hit wonder. But he’s come to learn, now over a decade later, that his greatest hit is absolutely timeless.

While the ink was drying on his new two-year deal with the Carolina Panthers, the 31-year-old outside linebacker spoke with local reporters through a Zoom call on Friday afternoon. Jeff Hawkins of The Charlotte Post would ask Clowney if he’s gotten tired of watching his legendary hit from the 2013 Outback Bowl.

“Somewhat,” he replied after letting out a laugh. “I don’t really watch it, but people stop me and tell me about it. ‘You had one of the greatest hits.’ And I’m like, ‘Man, that was so long ago, that’s so old.'”

It’s 11 years old, to be exact. And in case you forgot, it looked a little something like this . . .

University of Michigan running back Vincent Smith was on the receiving end of the famous tackle, which led to a fumble recovery by Clowney himself. The takeaway helped push the University of South Carolina Gamecocks to a 33-28 win.

Clowney’s play, which would become known as “The Hit,” quickly established itself in college football lore. It even earned the eventual No. 1 overall pick an ESPY Award for “Best Play” later that summer.

But if you run into Clowney out in the streets of downtown Charlotte, maybe it’s best you come with some different material.

[lawrence-related id=694440,694431,694225]

New Panthers OLB Jadeveon Clowney to wear No. 7

Panthers OLB Jadeveon Clowney will be back in familiar territory with a familiar look.

Jadeveon Clowney’s return to the Carolinas will have a familiar feeling.

On Friday, the three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher officially signed on as a member of the Carolina Panthers. Clowney, a Rock Hill, S.C. native, is making a homecoming to the tune of a two-year, $20 million deal that could be worth up to $24 million.

Oh, and speaking of numbers . . .

Clowney wore the No. 7 during his time at South Pointe High School in Rock Hill as well as in his three-year reign of terror at the University of South Carolina. In fact, the number has since been retired over in Columbia—where he collected two first-team All-American selections, two first-team All-SEC nods and 2012’s SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors.

As a pro, Clowney has donned a few top-grade digits—including No. 90 with the Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks and Cleveland Browns, No. 99 with the Tennessee Titans and No. 24 for the Baltimore Ravens.

But none will prove to be as comfy as that ol’ No. 7.

[lawrence-related id=694336,694211,694263]

Is Stephon Gilmore hinting at a return to the Panthers?

Could Stephon Gilmore be following his fellow Rock Hill native Jadeveon Clowney to the Panthers?

Jadeveon Clowney may not be the only Rock Hill, S.C. native who’s coming back home in 2024.

On Wednesday, the Carolina Panthers announced that they have agreed to terms on a deal with the 2014 No. 1 overall pick and three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher. The pact, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, will run for two years and could be worth up to $24 million.

Shortly after the news broke, Clowney picked up the phone for CBS Sports senior NFL insider Josina Anderson—who posted the following about the move:

As Clowney stated to Anderson, his decision to join the Panthers is a “full-circle” moment—one that went through the University of South Carolina from 2011 to 2013.

Wait . . . does anyone happen to know who else went to the University of South Carolina around that same time? And if you do, is that certain someone also a free agent who has been connected to the Panthers lately?

Oh, did someone say Stephon Gilmore?

Well, let’s take a look at his likes over on his Twitter/X account then . . .

@BumpNrunGilm0re

Hmmm . . .

In addition to sharing a year together as Gamecocks, Clowney and Gilmore were also high school teammates at South Pointe in Rock Hill. And like Clowney, Gilmore has reportedly received some interest from the Panthers this offseason.

So, is this a hint towards a potential return to Carolina for the 33-year-old cornerback? Or this is just an instance of one friend being extremely happy for another?

Time will tell . . .

[lawrence-related id=694225,694211,694161]

Photos of Jadeveon Clowney’s South Carolina Gamecocks career

Jadeveon Clowney will be on the prowl in the Carolinas once again.

On Wednesday, the Carolina Panthers announced they have agreed to terms with former No. 1 overall pick and three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney.

So with the Rock Hill, S.C. native coming back home, let’s take a look back at some of the best images of his Gamecocks career.

Jadeveon Clowney explains why he’s choosing to sign with Panthers

In a call with CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson, Jadeveon Clowney and his wife Najah explained why he’s coming back home to play for the Panthers.

The Carolina Panthers were the clear underdog in the fight to sign free-agent outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney. But the odds were defied on Wednesday, and their keys to the upset victory were highlighted by the man himself.

As announced this afternoon, the former No. 1 overall pick and three-time Pro Bowler has agreed to a two-year, $20 million deal with the Panthers. Shortly after, CBS Sports senior NFL insider Josina Anderson got in touch with Clowney—who said the following about his decision:

“We’re going to be just 30 minutes from home. It’s where we do all our community and foundation work going into season 11. Plus, my Grandaddy is getting older; and last year we had a lot of losses in our family. So honestly, it just feels like a full circle moment being closer.”

Clowney was born in Rock Hill, S.C. on Feb. 14, 1993. After attending South Pointe High School, he played three seasons of college football for the University of South Carolina.

Anderson also heard from Jadeveon’s wife, Najah—who revealed this interesting nugget:

“He spoke with Ravens. He also liked his visit with Jets. Both places were fits, but the Panthers pursued the hardest. This is a special day for us.”

The New York Jets were perceived as the favorites to sign the 31-year-old pass rusher. Clowney also could’ve gone back to Baltimore—where he just turned in one of the very best seasons of his 10-year NFL career.

But, in the end, he chose family over immediate contention.

Oh, and the fact that the two-year contract can be worth up to $24 million probably didn’t hurt either.

[lawrence-related id=694211,694167,694161]

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina

Legette may only had one big year, but he brings all the tools to become a starter in the NFL.

Xavier Legette was ranked as a 3-star recruit by ESPN when he left high school and signed with South Carolina, where he only saw marginal work for his first four seasons – only a combined 42 receptions along with a handful of kick returns. He remained as a fifth-year senior and enjoyed a breakout season as the primary receiver for quarterback Spencer Rattler.

Legette went from a little-used depth receiver to catching almost double the amount of passes of any other Gamecock receiver. His seven touchdowns also led the entire team. Had he not played in 2023, Legette lacked the draft value with such a sparse resume. After posting 1,255 yards last year, he’s now expected to be taken on Day 2 with a chance of sneaking into the end of the first round. Most draft boards list him as being between the sixth and tenth rated wide receiver.

Height: 6-1
Weight: 221 pounds
40 time: 4.39 seconds

He’s a size and speed mismatch that always plays well in the NFL.  Legette is a very solid 6-1 and 221 pounds, and yet ran a 4.39 40-time at the NFL Combine, one of only eight receivers that clocked sub 4.4 40-times. He’s a tick older at 23 years, but doesn’t carry the level of experience that his age may normally suggest.

Table: Xavier Legette NCAA stats (2019-23)

Year School Games Catch Yards Avg. TD Rush Yards TD
2019 South Carolina 11 9 80 8.9 1 0 0 0
2020 South Carolina 6 7 113 16.1 0 0 0 0
2021 South Carolina 11 8 63 7.9 1 0 0 0
2022 South Carolina 13 18 167 9.3 3 7 21 0
2023 South Carolina 12 71 1255 17.7 7 9 -9 0
Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

  • Physical attributes tick every box for a prototypical starting wideout in the NFL
  • Elite speed-size ratio that makes him a threat all over the field and can control his high-end throttle to distance himself from defenders
  • Tremendous hands and catch radius makes him a very friendly target for the quarterback
  • Run-after-catch upside with both speed and and influencing the defender with cuts and fakes
  • Makes contested catches using his size and strength, and highpoints making use of his height
  • Strong hands for ball security during and after the catch
  • Good run blocker

Cons

  • Considered faster than quick which will be challenged by press coverage in the NFL
  • Needs more development and polish after only one season of any note during his five years at South Carolina
  • More of a vertical receiver so success will be more scheme-dependent

Fantasy outlook

Xavier Legette rates as a Top-10 talent for wideouts in this draft. That means that he’ll be expensive for his new team and will be selected to quickly develop into a starter. He has all the attributes and measurements of a successful receiver, but he is the rare 23-year-old rookie wideout with just one breakout season to his credit. His speed and size combination will draw plenty of attention and should since he has the promise of being a valuable addition to a vertical passing scheme.

He’s been linked to the Giants in their perpetual quest to land a viable receiver, the Panthers who need help beyond the recently acquired Diontae Johnson, and the Bengals who are likely to move on from Tee Higgins. Cincinnati would be a great spot given the presence of Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase to draw the most attention. Legette may take time to reach his optimal value, but he brings some experience and plenty of potential.

Panthers react to University of South Carolina’s NCAA championship victory

Those who’ve repped the Panthers repped the South Carolina Gamecocks on Sunday night, as the ladies captured their second national title in program history.

The Carolina Panthers may be one team, but they proudly represent two states. And both of those states had themselves a heck of a weekend in college basketball.

On Saturday, it was the University of North Carolina Tar Heels edging out their rival Duke Blue Devils to clinch a spot in the men’s national title game. Then Sunday was for the ladies, as the University of South Carolina Gamecocks held off the UConn Huskies to capture their second ever tourney crown.

So check out those who rep the Panthers repping out the Gamecocks in their triumphant win.

Panthers S Jeremy Chinn Week 2 jersey watch: South Carolina’s Sterling Sharpe

Panthers S Jeremy Chinn is here for both Carolinas, having rolled out the Sterling Sharpe Gamecocks jersey for Week 2.

The Carolina Panthers represent both Carolinas, right? Well, so does Jeremy Chinn.

In his second regular season reveal, and fourth overall this year, the do-it-all safety is doing it for South Carolina as well. Chinn strolled into Bank of America Stadium on Sunday ahead of the Panthers’ matchup against the New Orleans Saints with a Sterling Sharpe Gamecocks jersey.

Sharpe played four years at the University of South Carolina. amassing 2,497 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. The prolific tight end, not only had that No. 2 retired by the program, but was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

He’d also go on to have a career worthy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, putting together 8,134 yards and 65 touchdowns in six electric seasons as a Green Bay Packer. A neck injury, however, would cut Sharpe’s career, and chances at the Hall, short.

Regardless, Sharpe is one of the most dominant pass catchers to ever lace up a pair of cleats and is now laced into Chinn’s year-long display of respect for the Carolinas’ greatest sports legends.

[lawrence-related id=640459]

[vertical-gallery id=640751]

Panthers sign defensive backs J.T. Ibe and Jalen Julius

Panthers sign defensive backs J.T. Ibe and Jalen Julius

Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer doesn’t have an easy task ahead of him. He’s gone from helping build the “Legion of Boom” in Seattle to now having to improve on his current team’s “Legion of Whom?”

The Panthers’ frighteningly thin secondary may be getting some help, however, with Fitterer’s latest additions in safety J.T. Ibe and cornerback Jalen Julius. The team, as first reported by Darin Gantt, signed the two defensive backs early Tuesday evening.

Ibe attended Rice University from 2014 to 2017, totaling 121 tackles over 32 games. The 5-foot-10, 195-pound safety then transferred to the University of South Carolina for the 2018 and 2019 seasons, where he’d start 14 of his 15 games played.

Julius, 5-foot-10 and 192 pounds, suited up for 38 contests over five years at Ole Miss. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in April of 2020 and was later cut as part of the team’s training-camp trim that summer.

[lawrence-related id=635506]

[vertical-gallery id=635253]