Clowney No. 1 in ESPN's first Heisman Watch

Nearly half of a 15-person panel of ESPN.com analysts believe South Carolina junior defensive end Jadeveon Clowney will win the 2013 Heisman Trophy.

Clowney received seven first-place votes and a total of 55 points in the first Heisman Watch polling. Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller finished second with 40 points and four first-place votes.

“Can a defensive player win the Heisman Trophy? It hasn't happened since Michigan cornerback/kick returner Charles Woodson won the award in 1997. But Clowney is the most disruptive player in college football and is a potential No. 1 pick in next spring's NFL draft,” according to the website.

Barring a surprise appearance on offense this season, Clowney would make history by winning the Heisman Trophy. No defense-only player has ever won the award. Last season, he had 23.5 tackles for loss and set the Gamecocks single-season record for sacks with 13.

Six of the players receiving votes in ESPN’s poll (for either first through fifth place) are from the SEC, including Clowney, Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron, Alabama running back T.J. Yeldon, Georgia running back Todd Gurley and Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray.

Click here to view the full list on ESPN.com

This story was originally published August 15, 2013 at 1:06 PM with the headline "Clowney No. 1 in ESPN's first Heisman Watch."