| 14 February 2011
Every generation experiences one of those moments that they all will remember vividly for the rest of their lives.
On several occasions over the past 10 years, I have told my story of walking into my University 101 class at USC, and hearing the news that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center, and an hour later as I walked down Greene Street in Columbia, SC, the campus was in total chaos. Today, that memory will begin to fade for many people in Columbia, and the vivid memory of where they were on February 14, 2011 will take its place.
Granted, and do not mistake this fact, I am in no way comparing that tragic event with today's monumental signing of the best defensive lineman in the nation ... the two are incomparable ...
While the scene on Clemson’s campus probably resembles that devastating day in September of 2001, the students at the University of South Carolina are experiencing a much more delightful form of chaos, as Jadeveon Clowney has finally announced he will be a Gamecock in the fall.
The 6’6” 250lb DE out of South Pointe High School in Rock Hill, SC was a man of few words this morning, but to Gamecocks everywhere, he said all the right ones.
USC has completely dominated the state of South Carolina over the past year. Over the summer, the Gamecocks knocked Clemson out of the CWS in Omaha before going on to win the National Title, in November, Alshon Jeffery and Marcus Lattimore walked all over Clemson’s defense to embarrass the Tiger football team on their home turf, and in January, the Cocks also took down the Tiger’s basketball team.
Today at 10:15 am, the Gamecocks made it very clear that they will continue to screw Clemson for many years to come, as they file their signed national letter of intent from the unanimous #1 overall prospect.
Despite all of the recent media chatter alluding to Jadeveon’s late lean towards Clemson, this announcement was not a huge shock for Gamecocks fans, or the USC athletic department.
It has been widely known that Jadeveon’s momma wanted him to stay close to home so she could see him play, but the lesser known factor was that Jadeveon has been wearing Garnet and Black, and attending games at Williams-Brice since he was just a pee wee football star.
During interviews this morning, Jadeveon expressed his excitement to play with the already signed Dixon brothers next year at USC, and his general excitement for the Gamecock football program that has been on the rise.
"It’s gonna be big," Clowney said. "One of those years hopefully we can pull it off. ... Hopefully we can win a national championship and start something while I’m down there.”
It is no secret that the biggest weakness of the historic 2010 Gamecock football team was its pass defense. Finishing his senior year with 32.5 sacks and five defensive touchdowns, there is no doubt that South Carolina’s 2010 “Mr. Football” will have an immediate and significant impact on Ellis Johnson’s squad.
My source told me last Friday that Jadeveon had called The Ol Ball Coach and gave him a verbal commitment around 5:00 pm.
Yeah, a week ago ... just like I wrote then ... you will learn.
One hour later, a writer from the New York Times published an online article stating that not only was Clowney a Clemson lean, it was highly doubtful that he would be academically eligible to play at either school. I searched for a way to leave a comment and ask the “journalist” how they could morally publish slanderous, false information about a student athlete, but unfortunately, the New York Times has no interest in reader feedback.
Anyway, I assure you, this information is completely false. Both Jadeveon and his coach were upset about this rumor, and both made it clear that there would be absolutely no problem with Jadeveon meeting NCAA qualifications.
Gamecocks everywhere have already declared this day “Clowney Day”, and have begun their celebrations for the completion of what was already the best recruiting class that USC has ever seen.
Welcome to the SEC, Jadeveon. Suck it, Clemson.
