Forget what is going on in Egypt, Jadeveon Clowney is what has the nation on the edge.  America's top high school recruit is set to make his choice known to the world on Feb. 14th and until then expect all kinds of updates from all kinds of sources.  Expect a Clowney update around what he had for lunch and did he eat chicken or did he go to the Columbia Zoo and visit the elephant or the tiger.

Well the latest that we can gather is this:

Alabama is fading as a selection and now looks to be between Clemson and South Carolina for his services.  He has been invited and may attend the Feb. 12th Clemson-UNC basketball game.  All three coaches (Dabo, Spurrier and Saban) will continue to try to talk with Clowney on a weekly basis.

What better a update that straight from the source.  This is video below via TheClemsonInsider.com after his basketball game last night where he had 16 points on a sore ankle.  Clowney is wearing a Bama hat and a Gamecocks shirt.  (He is playing the game well going into his final selection and not trying to "tip his hat" as he wants it to be a shock who he gos with.)  Interesting that mom carries the weight in the choice.  Spurrier, time to dance? 

Watch the Video as Clowney himself tells the latest on his recruitment:

Who runs a 10.42 100-meters, a 21.90 200-meters, a 47.88 400-meter time, a 55-meter race in 6.39 seconds and is considering running track for Coach Curtis Frye's Gamecocks.  That would be four-star New Jersey wide receiver Damiere Byrd and he choose USC over Iowa, Ole Miss and Florida.

His letter-of-intent finally got to USC as he is in Japan for a all-star track meet.  Byrd is the speed guy USC needs.  He could be in the mix for playing time early at Carolina and could be a factor in the return game.

After reading this post, it made me ask that very question - "Did Clemson Win Recruiting in the State of South Carolina in 2011?"  Before you answer, here is what the numbers show:

The South Carolina Gamecocks football recruiting ended without out any surprises as everything happened as expected.  A coach has to love it when the plan comes together.  The Gamecocks got everyone they wanted, well still one player to go and I am sure you can name him.

The only name that was to be watched today was Cedrick Cooper and what he was going to do.  We predicted, as most did, that he would go with USC.  He did at the beginning of the day realize he looked better in garnet. 

Also the two names mentioned as not signing, did not.  I hope it works out that they can be Gamecocks soon enough.

Overall, the class is very balanced and addresses the needs along with building depth.  There are some special players in there and a few that could spring up for playing time in 2011.  We will save that discussion for another post.

As noted there is still one name on the board, Jadeveon Clowney, and he is down to Clemson, USC and Alabama.  I am sure there will be plenty to talk about with him until he signs on Feb. 14th.  Expect a lot of speculation but when the dust settles he will sign with USC.

As for the Class of 2011, here is a rundown of who signed:

Phil Kornblut is reporting that the USC Gamecocks will not have two of their current verbal commiments - Jordan Montgomery and Lorenzo Mauldin - join their signing day class on National Signing Day 2011. 

Here is what he writes...

"As of Tuesday afternoon, both players plan to remain committed to the Gamecocks and hope to be able to enroll this summer or in August if they are academically qualified and room in the class opens up. Otherwise, they likely will attend prep school in the fall and resign with the Gamecocks for the 2012 class."

This may be a little early for this sort of talk but he is reporting it.  There has been "talk" of Montgomery and Mauldin not having the grades, in fact, this is the reason Mauldin looked at Troy recently but decided to stick with USC.  Also message board chatter mentioned the "concern" over Montgomery's grades. 
Let's hope these two can work things out and get in this summer.  The delayed signing will count against next year is my understanding but will help this year's class.  Remember the numbers...

USC sits with 32 and most likely to get Cooper and Clowney.  This gives them 34 total.  4 count against last year.  Minus out Montgomery and Mauldin and you are down to 28 the "number" that USC can bring in on National Signing Day.  (32+2-4-2 = 28)

Stop what you are doing and read this ESPN article on Jadeveon Clowney that was written by Jamie Newberg.  Good stuff on the nation's top recruit, check it out....

Click --->  Jadeveon Clowney is humble, hungry

Here is a taste of the article and something that stood out for me...

"Honest to God, he hasn't scratched the surface of his potential," Carroll said about Clowney, who lived up to the hype with 32 sacks and 16 offensive touchdowns as a senior this past season. "I am telling you, I can't stop an oil leak in the Gulf or invent the next great technology, but I can coach football and evaluate players.

"[He] is the best all-around football player I have ever seen. I have seen guys that are great, and they can't touch him. Physically he's a freak, and he's the best competitor I have ever been around. He's a fierce, fierce, fierce competitor. Those are two things you just can't coach."

I can not wait to see this guy in the garney and black.  He is set to announce for USC on 2/14 but that is my prediction that I have held since last year.  I am sure I am right, don't you?

Today at 11:00 a.m., Philip Dukes made his decision just like we predicted.  Dukes chose to be a Gamecock over Clemson, Auburn, Alabama, and North Carolina.

At 6'3" and close to 300 pounds, this four star defensive tackle is the ninth overall defensive tackle in this year's class, and a member of ESPN's Top 150.  This means USC got a good player.  According to Scout.com, his strengths include body control, quickness and intensity.  His negatives are ability to disengage from blockers and raw technique. 

What is special about Dukes is he is a versatile lineman.  He can play tackle or end, and is athletic for his size.  For South Carolina, this adds even more depth at defensive line, and if Clowney commits to the school, the team will be set at defensive line for years to come.  On the Clowney gront, it is good to get Dukes as he and Clowney are friends and they have said they would like to anchor a line together.  Well here is the chance...

Mr. Dukes, welcome to the Gamecock family.

The Gamecocks got the future tight end they wanted in Jerrell Adams, this adds much needed depth and upside to the position.  Today, as most predicted, Adams gave his pledge to sign with USC. The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder picked South Carolina over Clemson.

If you recall, Jerrell Adams of Summerton, South Carolina made an unofficial visit this past Saturday to South Carolina's rival—Clemson. There he caught a basketball game and spoke to coaches.

Adams (3 star recruit) will be a great tight end due his quickness, his hands and the mis-match he presents to opposing defenses. He could play defensive end but likely a member of the offense at South Carolina.  Last season, he had 8 TD's passing, 9 TD's rushing, 78 total tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 interceptions....now you see why he has the potential?

Landing Adams likely means USC lands Dukes as both want to play at the same college.  Four-star defensive tackle Phillip Dukes (Manning, S.C.), will make an announcement at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Welcome Mr. Adams to the Gamecock family.