Jadeveon Clowney
Jadeveon Clowney working with linebacker coach Mike Vrabel (Brett Coomer Houston Chronicle)

Former first overall pick in 2014 Jadeveon Clowney has not performed to the level that warrants a first overall pick to this point. After two disappointing season the former South Carolina superstar pass rusher seems motivated to getting his career back on track. According to former NFL linebacker and current Texans coach Mike Vrabel he sees a different version of Jadeveon Clowney in 2016.

“He’s determined,” Vrabel said, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “That takes a lot of work. It’s a physical league. It’s a tough grind. He’s been out there like all of our guys. When you’re out here, you get better. When you’re in the meetings and you’re engaged, you get better.”

Below is a little video of why the Texans fell in love with Clowney during his collegiate days:

Clowney finished the 2015 season with only 4.5 sacks, a number that should be much higher with J.J. Watt garnering a lot of attention. If Clowney can get back to the player he was at South Carolina the Texans defense will elevate to new heights in 2016. Opposite linebacker Whitney Mercilus of course came into his own little zone with 12.5 sacks in 2015, another reason Clowney could dominate this upcoming season.