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On Wednesday afternoon, four schools held their pro days for NFL scouts, coaches and general managers. Of the schools participating, South Carolina stood out with defensive end Jadeveon Clowney taking center stage.
Clowney has been the most polarizing player going into the 2014 NFL Draft, showcasing immense ability but perhaps not always great work ethic to go with it. Clowney is a consensus top-five pick, perhaps even the top pick if the Houston Texans love his tape.
Once Clowney's pro day got underway, he displayed why many believe he's the best defensive product since Lawrence Taylor in the 1981 class, blending size, speed and raw athleticism.
Clowney drawing rave reviews. Mayock: I've seen enough. DL coaches are shaking their heads + laughing.
— CollegeFootball 24/7 (@NFL_CFB) April 2, 2014
Lions defensive line coach Jim Washburn and Mike Waufle, his counterpart from the Rams, put Clowney and the other defensive linemen through the drills. Coaches, general managers, scouts and other representatives from NFL teams crowded along the sideline and on the field to see the draft's top defensive prospect go through the workout, which Clowney reportedly performed at less than 100 percent.
Jadeveon Clowney was working out with a slight groin pull today.
— Josh Kendall (@JoshatTheState) April 2, 2014
Will Brinson at CBS Sports tabbed attendance at "70 yards" worth of media along the sideline. After his impressive workout, questions about Clowney's effort level may have been effectively silenced.
#Clowney runs backward, watched closely by Crennel. Clowney hugs Crennel after. https://t.co/WscDcNzdfs
— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) April 2, 2014
North Texas
Notable prospects:
The big news from North Texas' pro day was the number of NFL teams in attendance. Sixteen made the trip to North Texas to watch hopefuls go through drills. Quarterback Derek Thompson was one of the main attractions. He ran a 4.84 in the 40-yard dash and had a 32-inch vertical jump, according to Gil Brandt of NFL Network. He could be a developmental backup in the NFL.
South Carolina
Non-Clowney notable prospects:
Quarterback Connor Shaw and wide receiver Bruce Ellington both decided to stand on their combine numbers in the workouts. Shaw threw the ball well, according to Brandt. Cornerback Victor Hampton ran a 4.58 in the 40-yard dash and stood on the rest of his combine numbers. Another defensive lineman not named Clowney had an impressive day as well. Defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles ran a 5.03 and 5.06 in the 40-yard dash but fatigued a bit late in the workout, per Brandt.
Tennessee
For Tennessee, the fine folks over at @Vol_Football tweeted out every result, allowing for this sweet table:
| Player | 40-yd Dash | Broad Jumo | Vertical | Bench | 60-yd Shuttle | 3-cone | 20-yd shuttle |
| OL Alex Bullard | 5.69 | 7-5 | 24 | 31 | X | 8.53 | 5.08 |
| LS J.R. Carr | 5.22 | 8-4 | 24 | 21 | X | X | 4.66 |
| DL Maurice Couch | 5.32 | 7-10 | 23 | 31 | X | 8.53 | 5.25 |
| OL Zach Fulton | X | X | X | X | X | X | 4.78 |
| DL Daniel McCullers | 5.35 | 8-3 | 23 | 27 | X | 7.75 | 5.09 |
| RB Rajion Neal | 4.53 | 9-11 | 38 | 28 | 11.97 | 7.22 | 4.34 |
| OL Antonio Richardson | X | 9-4 | 31 | X | X | 8.02 | 5.06 |
| LB Dontavis Sapp | 4.68 | 9-10 | 30 | 25 | 12.01 | 7.09 | 4.39 |
| DL Jacques Smith | 4.94 | 10-7 | 36.5 | 27 | 11.82 | 7.57 | 4.68 |
| DL Marlon Walls | 5.07 | 9-3 | 27 | 21 | X | 7.32 | 4.69 |
Washington
Notable prospects:
Running back Bishop Sankey stood on his numbers from the combine and decided to run through position drills at Washington's pro day. According to Brandt, he had a good workout. Tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins is still recovering from a stress fracture in his foot and did not participate in the pro day.