Jadeveon Clowney was itching to get to the NFL and start earning a paycheck, which incidentally was what could have kept him at South Carolina for his senior season.
Clowney, who would have been a top-five pick in 2013's draft, told Jim Rome on his Showtime talk show he believes college athletes should be paid. He also said earning a paycheck would have led him to play a fourth year in college.
"I think so," Clowney said. "They are selling our jerseys with our numbers and making money off of ticket sales, so I think college athletes should get paid."
The six-foot-six, 274-pound defensive end is arguably the best prospect in this year's draft. Scouts Inc. graded him a 96, higher than anyone else being drafted this year. He figures to land somewhere within the top three draft picks thanks to his stunning athleticism, speed and agility for a person with his size and strength.
He struggled in his final season and only recorded three sacks and 11.5 tackles for a loss, compared to 13 and 23.5 as a sophomore. It was not a lack of ability, but rather teams focusing two or three members of their offensive line solely on not allowing Clowney to get to the ball carrier.
Even NFL teams who do not need a player like Clowney are seriously considering him and buying into the massive hype surrounding the freak-of-nature pass rusher.
"Yes. Having to take care of my family, it would have made a difference if I'd have gotten paid," Clowney said. "If I would have had the chance to take care of my family through college, I would have probably stayed in college."
The NCAA is considering giving more autonomy to power conference schools' athletic directors regarding decision making and rule changes. The NCAA is also battling in court a lawsuit from former UCLA basketball player Ed O'Bannon that could affect how student-athletes are compensated. Football players from Northwestern are also attempting to establish a union for college athletes and are arguing that they should be considered employees.
