Star South Carolina defensive lineman Jadeveon Clowney is still being affected by injuries that have plagued him all year long. Bruised ribs caused him to miss the Gamecocks' contest against Kentucky, and they are still reportedly bothering him.
Jadeveon Clowney still dealing with rib and foot injuries
The consensus top NFL prospect continues to play hurt.
Peter Aiken
It has not been easy to show that fight, though. Clowney is still hampered by his bruised ribs. The pain does not necessarily subside, he said, but he is trying to control it to make it through the season.
"It still bothers me a lot," Clowney said. "But I keep that to myself."
Also bothering the young star is an injured foot that will require offseason surgery, but he will continue to play through the pain.
Earlier in the year, head coach Steve Spurrier said he was surprised when Clowney missed the Gamecocks’ game against Kentucky, fueling criticism toward the defensive lineman that he was taking off too many plays (which proved to be untrue). It got to the point where NFL executives were asked whether or not Clowney’s missed playing time in college would affect his draft stock (the answer was no).
After posting an incredible 23.5 tackles for a loss last season, Clowney has 6.5 through seven games this year, including 3.5 in his last two games.
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