Homecoming: Panthers sign Rock Hill native, LB Jadeveon Clowney

CHARLOTTE — Rock Hill native and pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney is coming home.

On Wednesday, the Carolina Panthers announced they had agreed to terms with the former No. 1 overall pick.

Clowney, a South Carolina Gamecocks star, is also a former Channel 9 Big 22 Player to Watch. He put up some of his best numbers with the Baltimore Ravens this past season before visiting the Panthers in mid-March. His 9.5 sacks tied a career high.

The 31-year-old went to South Pointe High School in Rock Hill.

The Panthers have been in search of pass rushers, especially after letting go of Brian Burns. Clowney will be a welcome addition to the Ejiro Evero-led defense.

On Friday, Clowney spoke about why now was the right time for a homecoming. In a news conference, the first word he shared was “family.”

Clowney also said he was trying to get fellow Rock Hill native Stephon Gilmore to join him on the Panthers.

“Before I signed, I did talk to Stephon. He was like, ‘I’m trying to get them to sign me back too.’ And I was like, ‘I’m going to sign this contract, you’re telling me you’re going to pull up when I sign, you’re going to come?’ He was like, ‘we’re going to see man, it’ll be a lot,’” Clowney said.

Clowney and Gilmore both went to South Pointe and were college teammates at South Carolina.

(WATCH BELOW: Panthers sending star pass rusher Brian Burns to NY Giants)

Panthers sending star pass rusher Brian Burns to NY Giants

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