South Carolina coach says Jadeveon Clowney not quitting team

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said star defensive end Jadeveon Clowney doesn't want to quit on his team and is looking forward to playing football for the Gamecocks.

Clowney's status become a trending topic this week, with some columnists suggesting the sophomore might sit out the season to protect his health and likely high draft position in 2014. Spurrier said Clowney wants to improve himself this fall.

Clowney is taking part in winter workouts with the team. He's expected to be on the field when the Gamecocks open spring practice March 5.

Spurrier said those suggesting Clowney take the year off don't understand the value of team competition.

Briefly

Big 12 basketball: Junior Thomas Montigel and sophomore Chris Zurcher of TCU have been named to the Academic All Big 12 basketball team. To qualify, players must maintain a a 3.0 grade-point average and participated in 60 percent of their team's games.

Texas A&M tennis: Freshman Shane Vinsant was named Southeastern Conference freshman of the week after helping the Aggie go 2-0 last week, including an upset of No. 4 Ohio State. Vinsant, of Keller, went 2-0 in singles, winning matches at No. 3 and No. 4. He won his one doubles match with partner Harrison Adams. Vinsant upset Ohio State's 30th-ranked Chris Diaz to help the Aggies (7-0) remain undefeated. Vinsant has moved up to No. 67 in the country.

North Carolina football: The Tar Heels hired Ron West as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. West served as co-defensive coordinator for Arizona State last year.

Notre Dame football: The NCAA has denied safety Jamoris Slaughter a sixth year of eligibility. Slaughter, who did not play as a freshman, tore his left Achilles' tendon in the third game of the season, a 20-3 victory over Michigan State.

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