Jadeveon Clowney, the top prize of 2011 college football recruiting, will announce his commitment to South Carolina, Clemson, or Alabama at 10:15 p.m. ET on Monday. His decision will be broadcast live on ESPNU and covered right here, of course. The defensive end is choosing between South Carolina, Clemson and Alabama.
Jadeveon Clowney’s Decision Will Boost South Carolina, Clemson Or Alabama Recruiting Class
So what would a Clowney signature mean for each of the schools in the running. Let’s take a look?
South Carolina Gamecocks: Saving face among rivals. Carolina watched four blue chippers head across the state to Clemson on National Signing Day. The Cocks also rate fourth in the SEC East, last among schools that actually care about football.
There’s more to it than just PR, of course -- the Gamecocks lose a starting DE in Cliff Matthews, who finished second among the team’s defensive linemen in tackles and third in sacks. Devin Taylor is entrenched at one starting DE spot, but Clowney would have a chance to contribute in Columbia as a freshman.
Clemson Tigers: Replacing Da’Quan Bowers. While Clemson just pulled off one of its best recruiting hauls in a long time, there’s still going to be something missing next year on the defensive line.
Specifically, a Bronko Nagurski winner and ACC Defensive Player of the Year who led the nation in sack yardage and tackles for loss yardage. Clowney, as talented as he is, has miles to go before he’s as good as Bowers. But Bowers, also a five-star DE thought to be the best in the nation, logged significant snaps as a freshman. No pressure!
Alabama Crimson Tide: Stirring up competition. The Tide already have three four-star DEs in this year’s class -- Xzavier Griffin, Jeoffrey Pagan, and D.J. Pettway -- so why not give them all someone to outwork?
Bama’s the longest shot of the three schools thought to be more or less in the running, which is a good thing for the sanity of non-defensive ends everywhere.
Clowney’s announcement is scheduled for 10:15 a.m. EST on February 14, at his own South Pointe High School. The event will be carried live on ESPNU. For more South Carolina and Clemson athletics news, visit SB Nation’s Garnet And Black Attack and Shakin’ The Southland.
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