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Clemson defensive end Vic Beasley says he is better than Jadeveon Clowney

Clemson defensive end Vic Beasley says he is better than Jadeveon Clowney

Clemson defensive end Vic Beasley saw plenty of No. 1 overall NFL pick Jadeveon Clowney when Clowney was suiting up for South Carolina, Clemson’s biggest rival. Beasley, a fifth-year senior who is also considered to be a highly regarded NFL prospect, doesn’t mind comparing himself to Clowney either.

“I feel like I’m the better player,” Beasley told Sports Illustrated.

Through two games for the Tigers this season, the 6-foot-3, 235-pound Beasley has registered three tackles for loss and two sacks. That’s a solid start following an All-American 2013 campaign where he racked up 44 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and 13 sacks compared to 28 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and three sacks from Clowney.

With 23 career sacks, Beasley is just one sack behind Clowney’s career total of 24. He could surpass Clowney this weekend when the Tigers take on top-ranked Florida State.

Beasley feels like he has one thing that separates him from the rest.

“I feel like I’ve got the best first step in college football,” Beasley said.

Clowney, now with the Houston Texans, is known for a fantastic first step too, but at 266 pounds, he is a different kind of end compared to the 235-pound Beasley. Beasley is a speed rusher, while Clowney is known for his rare combination of speed and power.

Beasley could have left school early like Clowney to enter the NFL. He said the NFL Draft Advisory Committee gave him a second-round grade, but he opted to return to school to get his degree.

Beasley will find his way onto an NFL roster next year, where he may continue to be compared alongside Clowney for years to come. It remains to be seen who will have the better career.

For more Clemson news, visit TigerIllustrated.com.

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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!