Homecoming: Panthers sign Rock Hill native, LB Jadeveon Clowney

Rock Hill native and pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney is coming home.

On Wednesday, the Carolina Panthers announced they had agreed to terms with the former No. 1 overall pick.

Clowney, a South Carolina Gamecocks star, is also a former Channel 9 Big 22 Player to Watch. He put up some of his best numbers with the Baltimore Ravens this past season before visiting the Panthers in mid-March. His 9.5 sacks tied a career high.

The 31-year-old went to South Pointe High School in Rock Hill.

ALSO READ: Clowney holds pro day in Columbia

The Panthers have been in search of pass rushers, especially after letting go of Brian Burns. Clowney will be a welcome addition to the Ejiro Evero-led defense.

On Friday, Clowney spoke about why now was the right time for a homecoming. In a news conference, the first word he shared was “family.”

Clowney also said he was trying to get fellow Rock Hill native Stephon Gilmore to join him on the Panthers.

“Before I signed, I did talk to Stephon. He was like, ‘I’m trying to get them to sign me back too.’ And I was like, ‘I’m going to sign this contract, you’re telling me you’re going to pull up when I sign, you’re going to come?’ He was like, ‘we’re going to see man, it’ll be a lot,’” Clowney said.

Clowney and Gilmore both went to South Pointe and were college teammates at South Carolina.

(WATCH BELOW: Panthers sending star pass rusher Brian Burns to NY Giants)