Speed thrills
Clowney’s 4.53 in 40 wows ’em at combine
No one was surprised Monday when Jadeveon Clowney ran faster than any other defensive end prepping for the NFL Draft. But he sparked a mixture of shock and awe as he ran faster than all but two linebackers in the 40yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Say what you want about Clowney’s final year at South Carolina or his worth ethic, but don’t you dare question his speed.
Clowney looked as if he were readying for the Indy 500 when he blazed through the 40 in a blistering 4.53, tearing up the turf inside Lucas Oil Stadium with a display of speed uncommon in a 6foot5 ¹ /₂ , 266pound defensive end. That clocking was faster than every linebacker at the combine other than Kevin PierreLouis of Boston College (4.51) and Telvin Smith of Florida State (4.52). Heck, Clowney ran faster than many running backs and receivers.
Earlier in the week, Clowney said, “My speed, of course’’ when asked what he viewed as his greatest attribute. “I’m a fast guy, quick, move well.’’ Looking ahead to how he would run in the 40yard sash, Clowney said, “Hopefully, 4.4. I know I am going to run a low 4.5 if I don’t run a 4.4. I’m hoping 4.4.’’
He didn’t quite hit that mark but he nevertheless wowed the scouts with his burst. Clowney did not participate in the position drills at the combine, citing a hip flexor issue. He was somewhat disappointing on Sunday, benchpressing 225 pounds only 21 times, not up to par with a highlycoveted defensive end. This, of course, comes down to nitpicking with an athlete who figures to go within the first three picks in the NFL Draft. He hopes to go No. 1 to the Texans when the draft begins May 8.
“Of course. That’s one of my goals here, to go No. 1,’’ Clowney said. “I came out of high school as the No. 1 player, so I want to come out of here as the No. 1 guy.’’
Michael Sam, the Missouri defensive end who made national headlines by coming out as gay leading into the combine, did not help his draft status, running the 40 in 4.91 a day after achieving only 17 reps in the bench press — tied for secondworst among defensive linemen.
As for a lineman who helped himself in a big way, Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald clocked in at 4.68 in the 40, an absurdly fast time for a 61, 285pound athlete. Donald, a standout at the Senior Bowl, earlier at the combine opened eyes by getting 35 reps on the bench press.