Oct. 29, 2012

University of South Carolina sophomore defensive end Jadeveon Clowney has been named one of 16 national semifinalists for the 18th Chuck Bednarik Award presented by Cracker Barrel for the Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year, as selected by the Maxwell Football Club National Selection Committee.

Clowney, a 6-6, 256-pounder from Rock Hill, S.C., has been named to the 2012 Midseason All-America first team by both Phil Steele and Sporting News. Through nine games this season, Clowney has 40 tackles, including 15.0 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. He is a two-time SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week recipient.

Two-thirds of the way through his second season donning the Garnet & Black, Clowney already ranks sixth in school history with 16.5 sacks and in a tie for 10th in career tackles for loss with 27.0.

The winner of the 18th Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced as part of the Home Depot College Football Awards Show, which will be broadcast on ESPN on December 6, 2012. Three finalists for each award will be announced on November 19, 2012 and a second round of voting will take place at that time. The formal presentation of this award will be made at the Maxwell Football Club’s Awards Gala, which will be held on Friday, March 1, 2013 at the Harrah’s Entertainment Complex in Atlantic City, New Jersey.