Following its 88-81 upset win over Duke in the NCAA tournament Sunday night, South Carolina is headed to its first Sweet Sixteen since 1973. After achieving the historic accomplishment, a familiar face was on hand to congratulate the team.

Immediately after the game, Gamecock head coach Frank Martin was doing a victory lap with those who made the short trip down to Greensboro for the game. While embracing the South Carolina faithful, Martin ran into arguably the most talented football prospect to ever step foot in Columbia, Jadeveon Clowney.

After leaving Columbia following his three-year career on the football team, Clowney was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. The former South Carolina star battled through injuries his first two seasons in the NFL but has since proven to be worth the lofty price for Houston. Clowney was named Second Team All-Pro last season and stepped up to become the Texans’ most dynamic defender following the injury to defensive lineman JJ Watt.

While Clowney has begun to make a name for himself at the NFL level, the former Gamecock clearly hasn’t forgotten where he comes from.

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