June 5, 2013

University of South Carolina junior defensive end Jadeveon Clowney has been selected to Phil Steele’s 2013 preseason first-team All-America squad, it was announced today.

Clowney, a 6-6, 274-pounder from Rock Hill, S.C., was a unanimous All-America selection as a sophomore last season. The SEC’s Defensive Player of the Year finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy balloting after recording 54 tackles, including a school record 23.5 tackles for loss and a school record 13.0 quarterback sacks. He was the 2012 recipient of the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation’s top defensive end.

Clowney was the lone Gamecock who earned a spot on Steele’s preseason first-team All-SEC squad, which was announced on Tuesday. Tight end Rory Anderson, offensive guard A.J. Cann and defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles all earned second-team All-SEC recognition by Steele.

The Gamecocks are coming off their second-straight 11 win season and finished the 2012 campaign ranked seventh in the final USA Today/ESPN Coaches poll. They will open the 2013 slate against North Carolina on Thursday, August 29.