Jadeveon Clowney commits to South Carolina

Jadeveon Clowney, the nation's No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2011, committed to South Carolina this morning in a press conference televised nationally on ESPN.

The 6-foot-6, 240-pound defensive end chose the Gamecocks over Clemson and Alabama on his 18th birthday.

Steve Taneyhill spent four years in Columbia, S.C., running away from defensive ends. As the former long-haired, touchdown-throwing quarterback for the Gamecocks, he played against some of the nation's top players.

Video of Jadeveon Clowney

Given the option of having South Pointe defensive end Jadeveon Clowney as a teammate or opponent, the answer is simple for Taneyhill.

"I would have been glad he was on my team," said Taneyhill, now the head coach at Chesterfield High School. "His highlight video is unbelievable. It’s tough to give a kid all of those expectations, but if he can live up to them ... Carolina has a really good chance to have a better season than last year."

As a senior, Clowney recorded 162 tackles and 29.5 sacks to go along with 11 forced fumbles and 28 tackles for loss as a senior. On offense, he ran 20 times for 274 yards and nine scores to help earn the South Carolina Mr. Football award. His production, combined with his size and superb athleticism, has made him one of the most highly coveted recruits in recent memory.

Clowney was long-considered a South Carolina lean, with two former teammates playing for the Gamecocks. However, he kept everyone guessing until the end, reportedly only sharing his decision with his mother.

He was to sign the scholarship forms and then head to class after his nationally televised press conference. According to several sources, South Carolina received his signed letter of intent.

Instead of announcing the decision on National Signing Day, Clowney opted for today - his 18th birthday. He wanted to make certain this decision was the right one.

“He’s a game changer and that’s what you look for in recruiting,” said Spartanburg coach Freddie Brown, a former college coach whose son played wide receiver for the Gamecocks. “You want guys who come in freshman year or after redshirting and make a difference. There will be guys in the SEC who can block him, but if you find the right position against the right person, he can be a dominant guy.”

As he waited to announce the decision, which was broadcast live on ESPN's SportsCenter, Clowney had to endure two minutes of standing silently at the podium in the school's gym for commercials to air. Someone in the crowd starting singing "Happy Birthday" to him, to which Clowney smiled.

His decision to play close to home wasn't a big shock.

Clowney told the crowd that he wanted to stay close to home and he knew some Gamecock players, including former South Pointe players Stephon Gilmore and DeVonte Holloman. Current teammate Gerald Dixon has already signed with South Carolina.

"For months, perhaps even years, all indications pointed Clowney as likely to sign with South Carolina, and that never really changed," said Paul Strelow, who covers Clemson for 247Sports. "The Gamecocks had three main components in their favor: proximity to home, the Rock Hill area pipeline to USC, and the longest-standing relationships with the coaching staff and several players. And I tend to think USC beating Alabama this season – showing it could compete nationally – probably sealed the deal."

With reporters and fans asking daily about the decision, Clowney kept close-lipped. Last week, it was reported that his decision was made and that he only shared the information with his mother.

South Pointe principal Al Leonard said he had been cornered at church on a few occasions by a grandmother hoping to learn information.

"I'm amazed how a 17-year-old kid has handled the media hype around him," Leonard said before Clowney announced. "He's unfazed by the speculation around his decision."

A lot of high school coaches in South Carolina were happy that Clowney, along with a lot of other top recruits, decided to stay inside of the Palmetto State to play college football.

"There are great high school football players and programs in the state," Carolina High School coach Mark Hodge said. "South Carolina is also blessed with great college football programs of every level. The fact that many of the state's, and nation's, top recruits are choosing to stay in state further promotes the quality of football here. It's exciting to see the national spotlight continue to shine on football in the state."

"I hope that he is always happy with his decision and enjoys his experience," Pelion head coach Ben Freeman said. "South Carolina is getting a great player."

With Clowney, South Carolina rises from No. 12 to No. 10 in the college football team recruiting rankings.

For more on Clowney's decision to attend South Carolina, see CBSSports.com's Jadeveon Clowney coverage.

Jason Gilmer is an award-winning writer who has covered football in South Carolina for more than a decade. He does a statewide high school football blog on GoUpstate.com. You can reach him at palmettofootballtalkblog@gmail.com.