College Football Recruiting: 10 Reasons Jadeveon Clowney is Bound for Clemson
While you, myself and many others have always had a feeling Jadeveon Clowney would come down to South Carolina and Alabama, Clemson has made a huge jump to out themselves not just as a third wheel of the group, but a major player.
While each school has its pros and cons and an array of reasons Clowney should and could not sign there, we chose to give the newcomer on the block Clemson some shine and pick out 10 reasons Clowney could be a Tiger.
Let's start the countdown!
10. Small College Town Feel
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Clowney is like many other Southerners in that he grew up in a town, more so than a city, so-to-speak.
There are major metro cities in the South, don't get me wrong, but I've always gotten the sense that there are more towns than cities.
Clemson has been praised for how its campus is in a small college town and has a close-knit feel to it.
I've heard the campus is beautiful, and even Tony Steward said it really opened his eyes on his trip.
The team is tight, the coaching staff works to look after players and everyone is a productive member of the community. This could really appeal to Clowney.
9. Chance to Continue Wearing No. 7
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In every game I've watched Clowney play on tape and in the Under Armour game, he's worn No. 7. He even stated on his ESPNU NSD interview that he really wants to continue wearing it.
On the Clemson roster, No. 7 is worn by Bryce McNeal, a receiver. Clowney could easily also obtain this number as he plays defense. Plus in college, the same number can be worn if both players are not on the field together.
Of course, Clowney may have to battle Tony Steward for the number, but I'm sure if Steward learns giving up No. 7 would seal Clowney to Clemson, he would do so in a heartbeat.
8. Dabo Swinney
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Dabo Swinney, who is inching closer to hot-seat status, has recruited his tail off this recruiting cycle. Years back, we forget that Swinney was a rising star in the coaching ranks.
He's a darn good coach and has proven he is one of the best recruiters in college football today.
Clowney has mentioned he is fond of Swinney, and the two have spoken regularly.
Swinney rallied the program together after Tommy Bowden's termination and will look to have the Tigers bounce back from a 6-7 season.
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7. Clemson's 2011 Recruiting Class
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Clemson finished with a top 10 recruiting class, which is higher than the Tigers usually finish in the recruiting rankings.
Usually Clemson is a top 20 recruiting school, but this year the Tigers signed four 5-star recruits.
It's a 29-player class headlined by Sammy Watkins, Tony Steward, Stephone Anthony and Mike Bellamy.
Other players include Charone Peake, Eric MacClain, Corey Crawford and Martavis Bryant.
With a slew of talent primed to don the orange and purple, plus a returning roster of solid players, Clowney surely has taken notice.
6. Tony Steward and Stephone Anthony
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Elaborating on the Clemson 2011 recruiting class, specifically the Tigers' defense, which will be strengthened by 5-star linebackers Tony Steward and Stephone Anthony.
Clowney, knowing he will potentially have other mega-talented defenders behind him, will not only make him comfortable on the field, but inspire his play to match their level.
Steward is uber-instinctive and athletic, while Anthony has great range.
The potential to be part of a stalwart defense at Clemson with those three spearheading the effort is a nice allure.
5. Marion Hobby
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Marion Hobby replaces Chris Rumph as the Tigers' new defensive line coach. Clowney is very, very close to Rumph, which fueled the Clowney to Alabama rumors.
Yet Hobby must be applauded for his recruiting efforts with Clowney. Not only has he done a great job of keeping Clemson in the race, he's also made Clemson a finalist in such a short period of time.
In recruiting, many times players go with schools they form the closest relationships to, with their assistant coaches recruiting them.
For Hobby to have Clemson in the race after getting a late jump is amazing, and he may just seal the deal with Clowney.
4. Da'Quan Bowers
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Da'Quan Bowers has a chance to be the No. 1 overall pick in April and at worst will go in the top five.
Clemson has produced some great defensive linemen over the years, including Ricky Sapp and the late Gaines Adams in recent times.
Clowney could see himself as the next in line.
USC has a running back and linebacker tradition, Miami used to have a QB tradition and Penn State, a linebacker tradition.
If Clowney goes to Clemson and dominates the game as expected, we could be saying the same about the Tigers and their defensive line.
3. Shock the World
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As with any delay, suspense has riled up swirling rumors in regards to Clowney's decision.
We all thought it was between Alabama and South Carolina, but Clemson is in this thing.
Clemson is no stranger to stealing 5-star recruits this year, as they too have Steward from Florida State and Anthony from Virginia Tech/North Carolina.
How fitting would it be to have waited and waited all this time, debating over South Carolina and Alabama, and in the end it would be the Clemson Tigers that get Clowney's signed LOI?
2. Traditional Fit in 4-3 Defense
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Alabama runs a 3-4 defense and will likely have Clowney play the JACK linebacker spot, ala Jason Taylor in 2007 under head coach Nick Saban.
South Carolina runs a 4-2-5. Maybe this variation doesn't affect Clowney, but maybe it does.
Clemson runs the closest to a traditional 4-3 defense, as any of the final three schools and Clowney likely want a seamless fit.
Clemson gives him this best option, though he fits very well in the other defenses too.
If playing the natural 4-3 defensive end position is what Clowney wants to do, Clemson could be the fit.
1. Proximity
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Clowney wants to stay in the South, and his head coach has recently gone as far as almost admitting he wants to stay close to home.
This is why Alabama has reportedly fell back to third.
Clowney is a true Palmetto State citizen and wants to stay close to his family, home and friends. Clemson gives him this opportunity, while also the experience of being away from home for college.
He wants to stay close, and Clemson is in South Carolina. This is the top reason he chooses the Tigers if he indeed does so.
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