Academics might be an issue for Clowney

The New York Times, citing two people with knowledge of his classroom performance, is reporting that questions are being raised as to whether Clowney will be able to qualify academically and play immediately in 2011. While no one associated with Clowney’s Rock Hill (SC) South Pointe High School went on the record regarding specifics, the head coach at Hargraves Military Academy — which takes in academically-challenged football players and preps them for college, inexplicably did, telling the Times that he’s reviewed Clowney’s high school transcripts and his academic performance, the paper writes, is consistent with those of other prospects who had failed to meet the NCAA’s standard. "A lot of D's on there," Hargraves coach Troy Davis told the paper, adding that Clowney’s transcripts are similar to others who have enrolled at his school. "There was never any question in my mind he will qualify," Bobby Carroll told the Spartanburg Herald-Journal. "I’ll bet a million dollars he qualifies because he works so hard in the classroom." One of Clowney’s teachers confirms hard work in the classroom in the here and now, but does admit that may not have been the case in prior years. This most certainly could cost Clowney being eligible to play immediately at the Div. 1-A level.