Jadeveon Clowney a ‘Rare Football Player’ – Carroll

Jadeveon Clowney is a defensive end with unique talent, according to Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.

“He’s a rare football player,” Carroll said. 

“He’s got special skills that most guys just don’t have. His great quickness, his reaction time, his length that he can use, his ability to run, his instincts. He’s made a lot of plays in the backfield over the years, instinctive plays, penetrating and causing problems. We plan to allow him to do that in our scheme and he’ll fit really well with what we’re doing. He’s a great fit whether it’s early downs or third downs. He’s pretty much got what you’re looking for.”

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Carroll is particularly excited about the combination of Jadeveon Clowney and his fellow newbie DE Ziggy Ansah.

“It’s what you’re looking for, you know,” Carroll said. 

“We brought Ziggy in with really high hopes that he could factor in because of his intensity and how tough he is when he plays and he’s been productive. Then he has this marvelous talent, too, to go along with this style of play. (Clowney) has really very similar abilities and traits. Those guys are like bookends, you know, and they’re just exactly what you’re looking for on the edge.”

Speaking publicly for the first time since his trade, Jadeveon Clowney said that he’s looking forward to playing in the Seahawks system.

“I get to get back to going vertical, not dropping,” Clowney said. 

“Just really putting my head down and grinding. When you’re going forward, you don’t think about a lot. So that’s the best thing about this defense.”

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After agitating for a trade, Clowney needs to perform at an elite level for the Seahawks. If the mood around the organization after his first day of training is anything to go by, it’s going to be an exciting season.