A lot has surrounded the ongoing recruitment of Jadeveon Clowney, the No. 1 prospect in the country this year. Clowney, out of South Carolina South Pointe High School, is a 6'6", 245-pound defensive prospect, coveted by just about every big-name program in college football.
The consensus was that he would decide between in-state South Carolina and Alabama. While this may ultimately be true, Clowney recently stated that he is actually only down to six schools, including the aforementioned Gamecocks and Crimson Tide.
Clowney insists he is also seriously looking at Florida State, LSU, Clemson and North Carolina. He's already taken official visits to Alabama and South Carolina, and is set to visit Florida State this weekend.
Then, Clowney will see Clemson on January 28th. As of now, LSU and UNC are jockeying for position to secure his final visit on February 4th or 11th.
That's right, folks, February 4th. Two days after February 2nd.
Which is National Signing Day.
Clowney has until April 1st to sign with a school, yet his situation differs from Terrelle Pryor's a few years back. The recruiting process has taken a toll on the talented defensive end, and he wants to really take his time deciding on where to sign.
Clowney's on-field talent and skill cannot be questioned, and, as I wrote yesterday, he should consider academics and the right "fit" for him.
But recruits have to make the best decisions for their football future, as well.
Clowney has gone on record saying he does not care for the 3-4 defense, and does not want to play defensive end in that type of system.
Under Nick Saban, Alabama runs a 3-4, NFL-style defense.
Many Tide fans will argue that he could move to "jack" linebacker, or stand-up outside linebacker. But football players are creatures of habit and want to be as comfortable as possible.
And there is something to be said for players taking a traditional role.
Aaron Kampman went from being a great defensive end to a lost outside linebacker with the Packers, then back to a great defensive end with the Jaguars before he was injured this season.
In Clowney's case, if he were to join the Tide, he would certainly move to outside linebacker. Clowney's game is using his speed and athleticism to blow by tackles as a rusher and strength to anchor on the edge against the run.
He's not a good fit as a 3-4 end because he lacks the girth and consistent upper-body strength to play the two-gap and hold up linemen at the point of attack.
If he moves to outside linebacker, that does not mean he will still be rushing every down. 3-4 outside linebackers have to drop off and "buzz" into zone coverage underneath.
Why should a premier pass rusher (and athletic freak) not be playing to his strength by moving toward the quarterback?
Clowney will need seasoning as a pass defender and linebacker, emphasizing his drop technique, adjustment to direction in space, awareness to carry receivers in and out of his zone area and playing up, more-so than down.
He certainly will still be able to rush traditionally in sub-packages, as the Tide do deploy a 40 when they vary their base-defense.
I think Clowney can do this. All of it.
Like Julius Peppers, Clowney has the athleticism to be a 3-4 outside 'backer. However, I just feel that his best role going forward is a traditional 4-3 defensive end, with the rare ability to play the weak and strong sides.
Clowney can get after the passer, collapse the pocket from the edge, anchor against tight ends and tackles to leverage the run, and not worry about two-gapping or keeping linebackers clean.
While many young pass-rushers like to compare themselves to Julius Peppers, DeMarcus Ware, Clay Matthews, Jared Allen and Mario Williams, I think Clowney has a chance to be a special and complete 4-3 defensive end like former Giants' Pro Bowler Michael Strahan.
We'll know around Valentine's Day what defensive role Clowney thinks he fits best.
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