Jadeveon Clowney Announcement: Why the Nation's Top Recruit Delayed His Decision

The nation's top recruit, Jadeveon Clowney, has decided to put his signing off until Valentine's Day, which is also the 6'6", 247-pound beast's birthday. 

Clowney is not the first top recruit to push his signing back. Terrelle Pryor, Bryce Brown and Seantrel Henderson did the exact same thing in each of the past three years. 

One of the most highly touted prospects in the history of South Carolina football, Clowney is the consensus No. 1 prospect in the country. That's a distinction that basically allows him to take his own sweet time. 

Recently a report by SI.com stated that Clowney had stopped answering Alabama coach Nick Saban and South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier's phone calls. 

Clowney is reportedly not talking to media, either. Before that self-imposed media blackout, Clowney told ESPN.com, "I need the extra time. I need all those days," said Clowney. "I will have the decision then. I mean right now, I'm very close." 

Among Clowney's other suitors are Clemson, LSU and Florida State. 

While gauging the whims of a high school kid is like trying to catch the wind, most analysts believe that South Carolina is the team to beat for Clowney's talents. 

Apparently, Alabama has made inroads with Clowney, which could be the main reason for his delaying the decision. 

After getting Marcus Lattimore to stay in-state last season, Spurrier would officially own the talent-rich state of South Carolina if Clowney decides to go to Columbia. 

No matter which school Clowney eventually chooses, fans will apparently be on pins and needles for at least a couple more weeks. 

Check out where all the Top 100 Recruits are headed.

Follow all the National Signing Day action on Bleacher Report.