In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Clemson defensive end Vic Beasley expressed extreme confidence in his pass rush abilities in comparison to 2014 No. 1 pick and former South Carolina standout Jadeveon Clowney.

“I feel like I’m the better player,” Beasley said.

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A consensus All-American last fall, Beasley notched 13 sacks for the Orange Bowl champion Tigers and returned for another season despite being a projected first-round pick.

“The reason I didn’t go is because I wanted to get my degree,” Beasley told Sports Illustrated. “It means a lot to me. It’s an honor just to be able to set an example for the young kids and the older people in my family. I know a lot of kids around the area that look up to me back home.”

Clowney finished his three-year career at South Carolina with 23 sacks. Beasley is one away from tying that mark as Clemson’s headliner on defense and has his sights set on the program’s single-season sack record of 15.5 set by Da’Quan Bowers.