South Carolina’s Top NFL Prospect Clowney Buys Insurance Policy

South Carolina All-American Jadeveon Clowney has purchased a $5 million insurance policy to protect himself financially for the 2013 season.

Clowney said his family bought the policy earlier this year. The NCAA’s “Exceptional Student-Athlete Disability Program” permits qualifying athletes in football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and ice hockey, to take out a loan to help finance the cost of the policy, which they must repay upon signing a pro contract.

The $5 million is the maximum amount allowed and such policies cost about $30,000.

Several analysts say the sophomore defensive end would be the No. 1 pick in this year’s NFL draft if he were eligible. There were questions whether Clowney should sit out this year and not risk an injury that might ruin his draft status.