RotoWire unveiled its SEC Quarter Century Team this week, spotlighting the most outstanding players in the Southeastern Conference who started their college careers from 2000 onward. While South Carolina has produced some stellar talent over the years, only one Gamecock made the elite list — none other than defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.
Clowney earned one of just two EDGE spots on the team, joining Georgia legend David Pollock. It’s a fitting recognition for Clowney, who dominated during his time in Columbia and left an undeniable mark on college football.
Here’s a full look at the SEC Quarter Century Team by RotoWire:
OFFENSE
- QB: Tim Tebow (Florida)
- RB: Darren McFadden (Arkansas)
- WR: DeVonta Smith (Alabama)
- WR: Amari Cooper (Alabama)
- WR: Ja’Marr Chase (LSU)
- TE: Brock Bowers (Georgia)
- OT: Andre Smith (Alabama)
- OT: Luke Joeckel (Texas A&M)
- G: Shawn Andrews (Arkansas)
- G: Barrett Jones (Alabama)
- C: Maurkice Pouncey (Florida)
DEFENSE
- DE: Jadeveon Clowney (South Carolina)
- DE: David Pollock (Georgia)
- DT: Glenn Dorsey (LSU)
- DT: Nick Fairley (Auburn)
- LB: Patrick Willis (Ole Miss)
- LB: CJ Mosley (Alabama)
- LB: Roquan Smith (Georgia)
- CB: Patrick Peterson (LSU)
- CB: Joe Haden (Florida)
- S: Eric Berry (Tennessee)
- S: Minkah Fitzpatrick (Alabama)
SPECIAL TEAMS
- K: Daniel Carlson (Auburn)
- P: Drew Butler (Georgia)
- KR/PR: Derek Abney (Kentucky)
Clowney’s inclusion is no surprise. During his three years at South Carolina, he shattered program records and built a legacy as one of the most feared pass rushers in the sport. He was a two-time All-American, won the 2012 Ted Hendricks Award (given to the top defensive end in the nation), and helped lead the Gamecocks to a historic stretch of success — three straight 11-2 seasons.
His college career culminated in him being selected No. 1 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. But even before the draft, Clowney was a household name thanks to “The Hit” — his infamous tackle in the 2013 Outback Bowl against Michigan, which ESPN recently ranked as the No. 11 greatest play in college football since 2000.
For South Carolina fans, Clowney remains a symbol of the program’s highest peak — and his latest accolade only cements that legacy further.
