No. 1 Overall Recruit Jadeveon Clowney: Does Alabama Have the Inside Track?

When you're 6-6, 240 pounds and blessed with an excellent first step burst off the ball, length, closing speed, strength and elite athleticism, someone is bound to take notice.

With Jadeveon Clowney of South Pointe High School (SC), everyone has taken notice.

As the nation's top recruit and fresh off a solid showing in the Under Armour All-American Game, Clowney's attention and focus now turns back to deciding college future.

While he has gained scholarship offers from just about every program in America, he appears to be deciding between in-state South Carolina and Alabama.

Alabama has been after the talented defensive end very hard, and Nick Saban made key strategic move in hiring Clemson defensive line coach, Chris Rumph, to replace Bo Davis, who bolted for Texas.

Clowney has stated several time throughout the recruiting process that he and Rumph have a close relationship, and he is extremely fond of the new Crimson Tide defensive trenches chief.

He claims Alabama is definitely a major, major player for his services and that the hiring of Rumph has taken his affection for the Crimson Tide to another level.

Does this make Clowney to Tuscaloosa a slam dunk?

Well, Clowney will also visit South Carolina, LSU, and perhaps decide to trek down to Florida, Florida State, or Auburn for his fifth and final visit.

What makes the Clowney to Alabama rumor questionable is Alabama's defensive scheme and where Clowney would fit in once on the field.

There's no denying Clowney's talent, skill set, and ability, but Alabama runs a mainly NFL style 3-4 defense under Nick Saban.

Clowney has only played as a 4-3 defensive end so far.

3-4 defensive ends are more like defensive tackles in reality and are asked to be bigger, bulkier players whose main job is keep offensive linemen off linebackers, be strong at the point of attack to two-gap the interior, and stop the run.

While Clowney is very solid and plays the run with strength and tenacity, his biggest attribute is his pass rushing ability. In Alabama's scheme, he likely would spend the first two downs as a stand up outside linebacker and would only play his traditional role on third downs and passing situations.

Clowney has even stated recently that he does not care for the 3-4 defense and, ideally, would like to continue as a 4-3 style defensive end.

This is where South Carolina and other 4-3 defense style schools are still hanging their hopes.

While many speculate Clowney does not want to leave home and will eventually settle on the idea of being a South Carolina Gamecock, he is drawn by the allure of playing for Nick Saban and the close knit relationship with Chris Rumph.

These factors ultimately give Alabama the inside track to secure Clowney come signing day.