Jadeveon Clowney Announcement: 10 Reasons He Should Pick South Carolina
Jadeveon Clowney, all 6'6" and 247 pounds of him, will decide where he will be taking his talents today. The main contestants are two in-state rivals: the South Carolina Gamecocks and Clemson Tigers.
Clowney had a remarkable high school career, and in order to continue his success and enhance his pro chances, he should sign with South Carolina.
Fan Support
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Granted, both Clemson and South Carolina allow Clowney to stay in the state where he has developed his dominant reputation, thus ensuring he already has a base of fan support.
Clowney's high school coach, Bobby Carroll, however, was quoted as saying: "South Carolina, whether they are winning or losing, they have tremendous fan support and that stadium is crazy every Saturday."
South Carolina has rabid fans and Clowney could quickly endear himself to them.
Familiarity
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Clowney has been interested in South Carolina since his recruitment began a couple of years ago. While other teams have come and gone on his list, South Carolina has remained throughout.
In addition, Clowney's high school has groomed a number of future Gamecocks who would help Clowney feel comfortable immediately.
Steve Spurrier
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When Steve Spurrier took the South Carolina job, many were surprised that a guy who had been an NFL head coach and won a national title took the job.
Once at the helm, Spurrier turned the program around. Spurrier has coached some of the most talented players in the world and Clowney would do well to play for a coach with Spurrier's wealth of knowledge.
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Become an Icon
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Alabama is a school that takes in 5-star prospects and churns them out into the NFL every year. Clemson currently has a possible No. 1 overall draft pick already in Da'Quan Bowers.
While South Carolina is certainly improved from where it was a few years ago, Clowney can immediately become an icon for Gamecocks fans and be the face of the team.
Take Gamecocks to Next Level
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South Carolina has improved immensely in recent years. To get over the hump and become an attractive destination for the very top recruits in the future, Spurrier needs to have a player to take the team to the next level.
Clowney can be that player. He immediately gives the Gamecocks a pass rusher to scare other team's quarterbacks and a player who lends the team further legitimacy in recruiting.
With Clowney and other players like him, South Carolina can be a championship contender within Clowney's time in school.
Competition
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Let's face it: the ACC isn't very good. If Clowney went to Clemson, he would play in some games in front of half-filled stadiums.
The SEC, on the other hand, is very good. Increased competition leads to more air time and exposure.
Clowney should go to South Carolina because it is a Southern conference. Football matters more in the South: bigger crowds, more passion and more time on TV.
Defensive Alignment
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Clowney made his name in high school as a traditional down lineman in a 4-3 defense.
The Gamecocks play a similar traditional style. A young player's transition to the college game is hard enough without changing the scheme. South Carolina would allow Clowney to use the strengths he gained in high school.
Being the Signature Recruit
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Clemson had a phenomenal recruiting class, including a number of blue-chip prospects. Clowney should go to South Carolina because they did not have as many recruits on his level.
Clowney can be the signature piece of Spurrier's collection, as opposed to being just another piece of jewelry for Dabo Swinney at Clemson.
Ability To Win Now
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South Carolina is poised to be successful this season, with QB Stephen Garcia ready for his final year.
Clowney doesn't have to do much for his team to be successful this year.
He can get his feet wet in the frenzied game that is college football and by the end of the year, be a force. But his learning curve shouldn't disrupt a team as veteran-laden as the Gamecocks.
Ability To Play Clemson
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If Clowney went to Oregon or Alabama (two out-of-state schools getting some play), he would not have the opportunity to stick it to the other coaches who were recruiting him.
Clowney grew up in South Carolina and knows how powerful the rivalry is with Clemson. If he goes to an in-state school, he will play in the game for his own state's pride.
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