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On Wednesday morning Jadeveon Clowney worked out for NFL teams during South Carolina's Pro Day. After running a 4.53 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine while weighing 274 pounds his freakish speed was verified but scouts wanted to take a look at him in positional drills and question him on his fitness and work ethic levels.
Following Wednesday's workout it appears Clowney has answered most questions in a positive manner and is making the case as the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
The Houston Texans own the first pick and sent head coach Bill O'Brien and general manager Rick Smith to the workout. Smith said:
"I am satisfied with his work ethic," Smith said. "Those questions have been answered for me. I'm satisfied with the information I got and my interpretation of his level of effort, as well."
A question for the Texans specifically was whether Clowney could play outside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme. O'Brien and Smith said they were satisfied he can after watching him go through position drills for coaches and scouts from 30 of the league's 32 teams. Only the Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans did not attend.
"I do," Smith said. "He's athletic enough, he's got enough speed and explosiveness and change ability, all those things that you look for."
But will he be the first pick?
"I'm not telling you," Smith said with a laugh. "We're in our process. We're every day getting closer to draft day and there is an excitement level that is continuing to build."
Clowney himself isn't short of confidence that his name should be called first by Roger Goodell.
"I can pretty much do it all," he said. "Anything on defense I can help. I can be a playmaker. I am a playmaker. I've got what it takes, I believe, to go out there and set the tone for the next guy coming up. And to help my team out winning games.
"Every team I've ever played with, we've never had a losing season. Never. Before I got there, I watched them lose. Not just here. Back in high school, middle school. I was like, 'Man, that ain't going to be my team when I play on that team.'"
Scouts were impressed with Clowney's ability to work in space and some think he'd make an elite outside linebacker. There's no doubt in Clowney's mind he could play anywhere. Where would you play him and should he be the first overall pick?
NATIONAL LINKS
Florida State tight end Nick O'Leary was in another motorcycle accident.
Texas' AD doesn't want to reignite the rivalry with A&M.
Jeff Heuerman, brother of Irish tight end Mike Heuerman, will miss the rest of Ohio State's spring with a foot injury.
A defensive end at Chapman University came out as gay to his teammates and the public.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court said no to Jerry Sandusky's appeal.
FSU is not done investigating Jameis Winston and two teammates. Neither is the federal government.
The Malik McDowell drama has ended as the 5-star DL signs with Michigan State.
Eddie Vanderdoes will miss the rest of spring practice with a broken foot.
Florida State tweaked it's Seminole logo:
"@kswills: what do you think of FSU's logo change? pic.twitter.com/42yWcFfnjA" Trick question. No right answer! Sure folks are fired up about it
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) April 3, 2014
The shady Tosh Lupoi is apparently going to work for Alabama.
Speaking of Bama, their running back Altee Tenpenny was charged with marijuana possession.
Texas A&M is renovating its stadium which also means new locker rooms opening in the fall:
Check out the new digs! pic.twitter.com/SpsG1pm63o
— AggieFBLife (@aggiefblife) April 3, 2014
LSU has schedule series against UCLA and Arizona State.
Bruce Feldman is leaving CBS Sports to work for Fox Sports.
Georgia running back Keith Marshall may take a redshirt in 2014 even though he's participating in spring ball.
Suspended but likely fall starter Washington QB Cyler Miles was not charged with assault.
247 Sports has updated their recruiting rankings.
The playoff committee has been meeting to discuss some issues for the upcoming season.
The Texas-Oklahoma has a new rivalry name.
Presumed Miami starting QB Ryan Williams tore his right ACL.
IRISH LINKS
BGI: Elmer relishing guard duty
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