By Ritch
SouthernPigskin.com

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He’s the top prep player in the country. Here are five reasons Jadeveon Clowney signs with the South Carolina

Five Reasons Jadeveon Clowney Signs with the Gamecocks

The nation’s top high school football player is poised to make a college choice that could change the dynamics of the SEC landscape and increase the chances of success for the team he chooses. Many recruiting pundits indicate that Clowney is down to choosing between Alabama and South Carolina.

Let’s lay out five reasons why Clowney chooses South Carolina for his football dominating services for the next three years:

1. He prefers playing in a 4-3 Defense Vs. 3-4 Defense

At a recent all-star game, Clowney stated, “I don’t like (the 3-4) defense.” Well, at USC he can play the way he likes meaning as a traditional 4-3 defensive end with his hand in the grass.

At South Carolina he will be able to play this way, as they employ a 4-3 scheme, while Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide play more of a 3-4 defensive scheme.

If Clowney were to sign with ‘Bama, he would likely play 3-4 outside linebacker and have to rush from standing up in a two-point stance.

2. Being the next South Carolina Football Legend

When Clowney signs his Letter-of-Intent to be a Gamecock he inks his name in Gamecock football folklore. He will be the future of USC football and the next program changing player to wear the “garnet and black.”

Anyone that loves the south and loves their college football program can remember their favorite football player (or hated). It is the stuff legends are made of or the substance of many Thanksgiving stories. Clowney has the chance to be like recent superstars Marcus Lattimore and Alshon Jeffery, and stay close to home. By doing so, he will instill a sense of love and passion from the USC faithful and by many South Carolina citizens in general.

3. Rock Hill Connection

Over the Spurrier tenure, there has been a pipeline built to South Pointe High School as it has delivered their programs premiere players to the USC program. Just look at current Gamecocks DeVonte Holloman and Stephon Gilmore. Not to mention current recruit Gerald Dixon. It is important to note this factor in the recruitment of Clowney due to the fact that he is very good friends with Dixon and Gilmore. Peer Pressure and the chance to play with friends will carry some weight in the decision.

4. USC As a Football Power is Growing

Spurrier has the program poised for the continuance of good things and still some first to be accomplished, like a ten win season and a SEC Championship. This “sell” still matters and many want to be part of the first group to accomplish these goals. The Gamecocks are entering the 2011 season as the favorites to be the SEC East Champs so it is not like Clowney will not be a winner. By him signing with USC, he adds another reason why USC is set to repeat in the East.

5. Nothing Like Home Sweet Home

It is no hidden fact that Clowney has a strong family bond and many pundits point to this as the sole reason he will not go with ‘Bama and go with the Gamecocks. Being one hour away as a college student has its benefits from home-cooked meals to having mom do the laundry. And there is the opportunity to play in front of your support system every home game. Go four plus hours away and the family cannot make that trip every home stand.

Everyone will have to wait until Valentine’s Day, which is also his birthday, to see whom he chooses but by reading the above factors you can go ahead and plan to see Clowney wearing the Gamecocks jersey in 2011.