COLUMBIA — Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, a standout from South Pointe High in Rock Hill, has made the cover of this week’s Sports Illustrated Magazine.

Clowney, who is already considered by many as a serious Heisman Trophy candidate, is one of several regional covers for the magazine's spring football preview.

According to SBNation.com, Sports Illustrated writer Tim Layden's feature on Clowney focuses on his tackle on Michigan running back Vincent Smith that thrust him into the national spotlight.

Spring practice begins Tuesday, and South Carolina's spring game is 1 p.m. April 13 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.

The Gamecocks open the regular season at home on Aug. 29 against the North Carolina Tar Heels.