South Carolina (60 percent): When push comes to shove it almost always comes down to an embrace. High School kids – no matter how talented or coveted – go where they feel most wanted. It helps that South Carolina is on the rise and last year it secured the state's prized recruit – Marcus Lattimore. That worked out very well for all parties.
Alabama (20 percent): Clowney is close with former Clemson line coach Chris Rumph, who accepted a position at Alabama on Jan. 4. The Tide already owns the nation's second-best class and if they land Clowney and/or top tight end Jay Rome, they would easily move right to the top.
Florida State (10 percent): Clowney told Byers it was between South Carolina and Alabama, but hinted Florida State had climbed into the picture. With a commit already from the nation's No. 1 recruit,
James Wilder, the Seminoles could move from No. 4 to No. 1 in the recruiting class if Clowney signs.
LSU (5 percent): OT-DE La'El Collins (6-5, 285), the nation's No. 7 recruit, has already committed and the thought of he and Clowney together is frightening.
Miami (5 percent): Southern Florida is an attractive landing spot – see LeBron James – but Clowney doesn't need the detractors - or haters - that James faces in Cleveland.
