Jadeveon Clowney Picks South Carolina (VIDEO)

The nation's number one football prospect finally has a school.

South Carolina.

Jadeveon Clowney will become a Gamecock come next season, staying close to home. The announcement came after a tough decision between South Carolina, Clemson, and Alabama.

The 6' 6", 240-pound 18-year-old defensive end is the highest rated prospect in the ESPNU 150 since 2008, according to ESPN. Clowney recorded 57 sacks combined in his junior and senior years.

The announcement (which was made live on SportsCenter) and ensuing interview is below.

WATCH:

Comments

[Mark3303]

10:14 AM on 02/15/2011

I can remember 20 years ago when i was in High school that schools would hold press conferences on signing day for football and basketball signing letters of intent, most often however the only media that were there would be the local paper and tv and radio stations. The only difference with Clowney is that ESPN decided to carry this decision live where as in the past the local media tv stations would just show clips at night of the local sports stars that signed.
In regards to his size being freakish, yes it is but that is what makes him such a unusual prospect, but beyond his size what makes him truly freakish is his speed, quickness and agility. In many of the games that he played in high school he was faster all but a handful of players, and it is that combination of size and speed that makes him such a coveted player.

[boscobear]

09:37 AM on 02/15/2011

I recommend the first class this young man takes is speech.

[stonelaw]

09:31 AM on 02/15/2011

Ok, I hope someone here can give me an education. South Carolina is able to offer 25 scholarships this year but signed 32. About the same percentage of more offers than scholarships available apply at Auburn, Mississippi State, Alabama and several other SEC schools.

But look at Penn State, Michigan, and most other Big 10 colleges and also at North Carolina, Wake Forest, Virginia and most other ACC colleges and the offers equal the number of scholarships available. (See Scout.com or Rivals.com for the lists).

So what gives? How can these SEC schools give out more than are available? And keep in mind that once a high school kid signs, he's precluded from going somewhere else except under limited circumstances and sometimes significant penalties.

Anyone have the answer?

[Angelus2007]

11:38 AM on 02/15/2011

Can't speak specifically here, because I can't seem to find a list of scholarships available. But in many cases schools will offer partial scholarships. For example, Penn State has 87 players on scholarship for 2011, but Div-1A (FBS) only allows for 85 scholarships. So probably 4 players recieve half scholarships. That is popular amongst big schools. If a player has a choice between say Temple or Penn St, he may choose Penn St. although he won't get a full ride.

Also don't forgot many SEC schools offer less expensive instate tuition than most of the rest of the country, so a player who lives in Florida might not mind taking a partial scholarship to play for the Gators rather than say Texas A&M. Florida instate tuition is about $2500 a semester so a half scholarship to play for Florida may be worth it for some students.

[Quasi Libertarian]

06:14 AM on 02/15/2011

Now that the issue of his grades are out, it makes sense why he went to USC.  That school left the ACC because they couldn't live up to the academics.  Clowney will fit in just fine.  I am sure they will find a suitable double to take care of his academics.

[Angelus2007]

11:46 AM on 02/15/2011

I agree, SC doesn't have the highest academic standards, but the leaving of the ACC was 40 years ago, and there other issues than just academics.

[CLSayles]

06:03 AM on 02/15/2011

For all this hype, this young man better make a difference for my Gamecocks this year...

[IsotelusMaximus]

12:48 AM on 02/15/2011

Forget Obama's.... Someone check his birth certificate, no way is he 18.

[olderprints]

12:29 AM on 02/15/2011

clowney ecquivocates "mney in the bank" I saw him play once and it is hard to describe him. the gamecocks are gonna be tough to play next year.....period....

[AlaskanWannaB]

12:01 AM on 02/15/2011

Yes. My family was hoping that he would pick USC. WTG! And this coming from someone who cares nothing for the game. I'm just happy that they will be happy!

[Calvin Ravenwood]

05:37 PM on 02/14/2011

Really? Wasn't signing day a while back? *eye-rolls*

[mmsuki]

03:12 PM on 02/14/2011

Don't be shocked if he doesn't play for SC.
I read where his grades were all Ds and lower, and it's quite possible he is ineligible.

[Steve1976]

03:58 PM on 02/14/2011

Clowney says his grades have been "taken care of". Of course they have. South Carolina and Steve Spurrier wouldn't have it any other way.

[beden7068]

08:38 PM on 02/14/2011

There were some D's his first two years. The last two years he has been studying and has been tutored. Last semester, he made straight A's (or so it was reported). With his current ACT score he only needs a 2.6 gpa

[Jazmo]

02:55 PM on 02/14/2011

You gotta figure ... these kids are heroes from a very young age. Their egos are stroked and they are revered by their friends and peers. They get to college and you start to separate some of the men from the boys, but the high school players that go on to be college superstars get even more adulation heaped on them, and by the time they get to the pros they've been the greatest thing since sliced bread for most of their lives, then they get to the big bucks of the NFL they've lived in a big football bubble for a large chunk of their lives. It's not just the media that should take responsibility for this kind of crap going on, but also us, as fans. We put up with this.

[Measy23]

02:47 PM on 02/14/2011

We need to hold a press conference if he actually graduates college on the dean's list. That would be rare!

[abaybay]

02:34 PM on 02/14/2011

This is so lame. Why is a high school player holding a press conference? all the other recruits already picked their schools, but he waited an extra week to keep all the teams in suspense? at least lebron donated the proceeds to the boys and girls club.

this kid's body is freakish. I don't remember kids ever being this big

[djnc]

01:38 PM on 02/14/2011

this is disgusting...high school players basically having press conferences to announce which college they choose...9 times out of 10, these guys end up being just decent players...their egos are built up to superstar levels with stuff like this, then the same media that built them up writes articles about how the egomaniac players need a reality check...such a farce

[1jdgriff]

02:09 PM on 02/14/2011

Things have certainly changed; a 6'6" and 240 pounds high schooler is not what I remember. I agree that there are a lot of hurtles over the next few years that will tell if he has a chance in the NFL. If he is good, SC will only have him for a couple of years.