South Carolina Football: A look at every 5-star recruit in program history; Two are in this year's class!

South Carolina Football's All-Time 5-Star Recruits:
Defensive End Jadeveon Clowney (Class of 2011)

This list had to start here, right?

Jadeveon Clowney is still the highest-rated prospect of all-time, given an astounding 105 rating by 247Sports and being ranked as the #1 player in the class by every recruiting service.
The Rock Hill native was rumored to have been considered the best player in the nation even as just a sophomore, and if rated among the seniors during his junior season of 2010, he surely would have been placed at the top of the list.

Clowney lived up to the hype in garnet and black, breaking multiple records (and getting close on some others). He also was part of the three winningest teams in the history of South Carolina football and was the author of one of the most memorable plays in Carolina history, simply known now as "The Hit." #7 now has his jersey retired in Williams-Brice Stadium.

After finishing his Gamecock career, Clowney was drafted #1 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft and became the first player ever to be the top high school recruit and top NFL Draft pick. He has had a very good NFL career (though marred by injuries) as a 3-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro. His 2023 season is one of his best pass rush efforts, and he could be in line for his deepest playoff run yet as his Baltimore Ravens have the best record in the NFL.