FREDERICK, Maryland — Since The Hit, nothing has been the same.
When Jadeveon Clowney crashed into Michigan's Vincent Smith on New Year's Day 2013—sending the football and Smith's helmet airborne—a moment was born that would become a sensation. Millions flooded to watch the highlight on YouTube and social media and later SportsCenter and as the "Best Play" of the year on the ESPYs. And as they did, The Hit became a title, not just a description of a play in the Outback Bowl, and the South Carolina defensive end who delivered it became a household name, not just college football's best player.