Before National Signing Day, it was thought that the pursuit of the nation’s top player in the 2011 recruiting class, Jadeveon Clowney, had come down to two schools — South Carolina and Alabama.
After watching Dabo Swinney pull in a very impressive class, Clowney publicly added Clemson into the mix, with reports swirling that the Tide was fading as a potential destination. Unfortunately for those with vested interest in the Tuscaloosa program, a person very close to the defensive lineman has confirmed as much.
Speaking to the Charleston Post & Courier, Clowney’s high school coach said that his player’s interest in Alabama is indeed waning. Bobby Carroll spoke to Clowney Saturday, and was given the impression that the distance between his home in Rock Hill, South Carolina and Tuscaloosa — not anything having to do with the program itself — has the No. 1 player in the nation leaning away from the Tide.
“It’s not because of Alabama’s legacy or anything like that,” Carroll said. “It’s the proximity thing. He’s just not sure he wants to make that long ride.”
Clowney is expected to make his decision on Feb. 14, which is both his birthday and Valentine’s Day. Carroll’s “gut feeling” is that South Carolina is still the front-runner, although he hasn’t specifically been told that by Clowney.
Both Carroll and an unnamed source told the paper that Clowney already knows where he wants to go, but is remaining tight-lipped as he weighs all of the factors and ensures he makes the right decision.
As for rumors of unofficial visits to Oregon and Clemson ahead of his decision, Carroll said he is unaware of any trips planned by Clowney.
