Let’s all welcome Jadeveon Clowney to South Carolina Gamecocks Football.
College football at the Universtiy of South Carolina just improved greatly on defense as the nation’s top high school recruit, Jadeveon Clowney, chose the Gamecocks over the Clemson Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide. The choice was made today on ESPN at the 10:15 am ceremony.
He said having friends at USC and the ability for his momma to come to games was a factor. He also said that he will have no issues getting into USC as far as grades. He credited Ellis Johnson and Lorenzo Ward, South Carolina coaches, for helping him understand how he will fit into the USC defense and recruiting him. (God bless them!)
This is a huge pick-up for Coach Spurrier as Clowney will be a national standout at defensive end. The 6-6, 252-pound defensive end was one of the most highly recruited players and is expected to step right in and make an immediate impact on the Gamecocks’ defensive line. He is already penciled in as the starter at DE, now that Cliff Matthews has graduated and gone on to the NFL.
Clowney won South Carolina’s “Mr. Football” award last season. He had 162 tackles and 29 1/2 sacks, caused 11 fumbles and scored five defensive touchdowns. The South Pointe Stallions also put him in the backfield and he had 20 carries for 274 yards and nine TDs.
With the signing of the LOI from Clowney, the Gamecocks strengthen their “favorite” status to repeat as SEC Champs in 2011. Heck, could say the same now for 2012 and 2013.
Clowney’s announcement improved the Gamecocks’ rankings among recruiting services, as they went from 24th to 15th on ESPN.com, 20th to 18th on Rivals.com and 13th to 11th on Scout.com. Clowney is the Gamecocks 32nd signee.
Welcome Mr. Clowney as you proved me right. Also Happy Birthday. No go study and lift weights as the 2011 season has begun. Go Cocks!
