Jadeveon Clowney: Oregon In, Alabama Out? Where Is The No. 1 Recruit Headed?

When you're the nation's No.1 recruit and perhaps the best incoming player into college football in a few years, then rumors will become attached to your name from all over the place.

Jadeveon Clowney has seen just that as rumors in regards to where he is signing are running all over like a marathon. Now comes a rumor that the Oregon Ducks have entered the race and may be getting a visit to Eugene by Clowney.

Could Clowney wind up a Duck? Is Alabama out? What about Clemson? Where is he headed? Let's take a look.

Clowney To Visit Eugene?

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

CORVALLIS, OR - DECEMBER 04: Head Coach Chip Kelly of the Oregon Ducks prepares with his team before the game against the Oregon State Beavers during the 114th Civil War on December 4, 2010 at the Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan F

Sports Illustrated and 247Sports are reporting on a rumor of Clowney to visit Oregon in the near future, perhaps this upcoming weekend.

This is a new development, and many are still scrambling to confirm if it is true or not. While no one can doubt the recruiting prowess of Chip Kelly, the facilities in Eugene or the success of the Ducks' program, I'm a bit reserved about this. Clowney's high school coach, Bobby Carroll has said Clowney told him he has no more visits planned.

Clowney seems like a guy who doesn't want to leave the south, as many of the schools he was seriously considering are in that region. His final three of South Carolina (in-state school), Clemson (in-state school), and Alabama speak to me as a guy who wants to stay near home and in the south.

Another Unofficial Visit To Clemson?

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Andre Ellington #23 and Jamie Harper #8 of the Clemson Tigers against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

There is another rumor that Clowney is going to take another unofficial visit to Clemson. This is not true, as his high school coach, Bobby Carroll recently said Clowney told him he has no visits planned.

There was speculation Clowney was headed to Clemson to visit during an upcoming basketball game against North Carolina.

So if Clowney told his coach that he has no visits planned, then what does that say about the rumored visit to Oregon? Probably that it is just a rumor after all.

Crimson Fading To Black?

Dave Martin/Getty Images

TUSCALOOSA, AL - APRIL 17: Quarterback Greg McElroy #12 of the University of Alabama looks for a receiver as coach Nick Saban looks on during the Alabama spring game at Bryant Denny Stadium on April 17, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Dave Martin/G

Right now, as of Saturday, it looks like Alabama is behind South Carolina and Clemson. "He's just not sure he wants to make that long ride." States Bobby Carroll.

Clowney is a Palmetto State lifer, and it seems he's very close with his family.  He's going to consult with them heavily in his decision, so it's likely he's going to want to stay close to them.

Although Alabama is still close in the southern region of the country, South Carolina and Clemson are even closer.

Could He Announce Soon?

There are other rumors that Clowney is actually planning to decide and announce soon. This is also likely not true since Clowney really wants to announce on his birthday.

Valentine's Day is also the big defensive end's birthday and that is the target date for when we will know where he is going.

Also, Clowney still likely isn't 100% sure of where he is going. He's likely leaning to a school in his mind, but after seeing Cyrus Koaundjio, whom Clowney has said he and him are good friends, come under scrutiny for his announcement saga, Clowney probably wants to be certain and take his time.

What Does His Recruitment Look Like Right Now?

Clowney isn't talking much these days, as he really is trying to focus on making the right decision, take his time and not feel pressured.

But his high school coach says that his own gut feeling is Clowney is South Carolina's to lose right now.

So we see it:

South Carolina - 45%

Clemson -  40%

Alabama - 15%

Where Is He Headed?

It wouldn't be a surprise to most if Clowney ended up at Clemson, as the Tigers have hauled an amazing recruiting class in spite of a 6-7 record. Getting Tony Steward from Florida State was huge, as was Stephone Anthony from North Carolina and Virginia Tech.

But, with all that said, Clowney is going to South Carolina in my opinion. His school is a pipeline to the Gamecock program, it's close to home and Steve Spurrier has the team on the rise.

Look for Clowney to become a Gamecock officially next week on his birthday.