Quote:There are many who are vehemently opposed to the Jaguars drafting Clowney at 3 due to the perception that he is lazy, or a cancer, etc.

 

There have been rumors and articles that have kind of stoked those fires.

 

However, there is a recent quote from Spurrier, who coached Clowney at South Carolina that may or may not cast some light on his work ethic.

 

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/201...ork-ethic/

 

I found this part particularly interesting...

 

 

“He was OK. It wasn’t like Marcus Lattimore, you know, every player is a little different,” Spurrier said. “His work habits are pretty good, they’re not quite like Lattimore, maybe Stephon Gilmore, Melvin Ingram, some of those guys, but when the ball is snapped he’s got something no one else has.”

 

 

I think it noteworthy that he didn't trash Clowney here.  He characterized his habits as "pretty good."  I also think it noteworthy how he characterized Clowney's talent as unique.

 

Keep in mind, for all of Ingram's work ethic, he's done next to nothing in the NFL.  In comparison, Andre Branch blows Ingram away in productivity over the first two seasons.

 

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/pl...grMe00.htm

 

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/pl...anAn00.htm

 

Work ethic is something that can develop and improve with time and maturity.  Unique talent? Not so much.

 

Whatever risk you may associate with Clowney, I think he is worth it.

 

Maybe I am letting my bias shine through, but I simply don't trust anything Spurrier says. I could be simply making things up, but it seems as if he is trying to build up a little good equity with his future players and show that he won't trash them completely to the media. I know that it's all conjecture and stuff, but I just don't trust Spurrier.

 

That being said, you just can't let Clowney walk past you. You just can't. He plays DE better than anyone else plays any other position. To me, it's really that simple.

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