Jadeveon Clowney says he would have stayed in school if paid

Jadeveon Clowney is expected to be a top five pick in the May's NFL Draft. (Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Former South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney said that he might have stayed in school for another year if he were paid for being a college athlete.

Clowney made the comments in an interview on Jim Rome on Showtime, set to air Wednesday night.

Clowney left South Carolina after three seasons, foregoing his senior campaign to enter May's NFL Draft. He is expected to be a top-five selection.

"Yes. Having to take care of my family, it would have made a difference if I'd have gotten paid," Clowney said. "If I would have had the chance to take care of my family through college, I would have probably stayed in college."

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Clowney also said he believes that college athletes should be paid.

"I think so," Clowney said. "They are selling our jerseys with our numbers and making money off of ticket sales, so I think college athletes should get paid."