Jadeveon Clowney: Nation's Top Football Recruit Down To South Carolina, Alabama

Jadeveon Clowney is the top high school football player in the country. 

The 6-foot-6, 247-pound defensive end is as athletic as they come. He has the size and strength to take down any ball carrier or quarterback and the speed to hang with most wide receivers. As a junior, Clowney averaged nine tackles per game and nearly two sacks. This season, Clowney has exploded for 128 total tackles, averaging 10 per game.

With vitals like that, it's no wonder the South Pointe (S.C.) High School star has garnered interest from as many as 13 schools during the long recruitment process. At one point or another, Florida State, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, LSU, Miami, North Carolina, Ohio State, Tennessee, Texas Tech and USC have recruited him. 

That fact alone is why Alabama and South Carolina should take pride in the fact that Clowney has recently dwindled down his decision to commit to one of those schools. Still, there's no doubt Alabama's Nick Saban and South Carolina's Steve Spurrier are drooling at the thought of having Clowney on the roster for the next few years. 

To help Clowney make his decision, here are a few selling points for both programs: 

South Carolina 

Proximity: Clowney's home town of South Pointe is just over 90 minutes from Columbia, where the University of South Carolina is located. While not sacrificing the quality of football he'll play against, Clowney could have his family attend nearly every home game - and be less than two hours away from a home-cooked meal.

Head-to-Head: With Clowney in attendance, the Gamecocks defeated Alabama this season, 35-21. The win may be just enough to tip the scales in South Carolina's favor.

Returners: Looking at the amount of underclassmen for South Carolina, the Gamecocks figure to be the team to beat in the SEC's East Division again next season. Clowney would fit in nicely and would have the opportunity to propel South Carolina even farther.

Alabam

Youth: Clowney recently said that he'd fit in perfectly with the youthful Crimson Tide. “...They get some pass rushing and they'll do good. That's where I come in at, help the team pass rush and make big plays.”

Nick Saban: The preeminent salesman in college football reportedly visited the top recruit this week and will do so with a host of selling points for the defending national champions.

Tradition: Since its first season in 1892, Alabama has won 13 national championships, 22 SEC titles and has reached an NCAA-record 58 bowl appearances. Name it and the Tide have done it.