Jadeveon Clowney has said that he would have entered the NFL last year if he had been eligible.

The former South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end is projected to be one of the top selections in this year's Draft, having decided to forgo his senior year in college.

The 21-year-old told ESPN: "I probably would have. Because I came off a great season. If it was a chance, I probably would have.

"But right now, it's over with. I had to stay a third year. I did what I had to do, took care of business with my team, helped them win games, so I was excited about and that we won.

"I believe that once I get to the NFL, it's going to be the up on my career. I just want to be one of the best. I want to be one of the greatest of all-time and the NFL is just the next level, stepping stone in my way."

Clowney made 35 tackles and three sacks during the 2013 college season.