ROCK HILL The phone in coach Bobby Carroll's office at South Pointe High rang off the hook.

Nearly every major college coach called to extend congratulations.

Over the summer, South Pointe defensive end Jadeveon Clowney was chosen by three football recruiting services as the nation's best player - at any position.

"It's a big thing ... really big," Clowney said. "But I'm about team first and these honors bring recognition to South Pointe. When college coaches come here, they see we have a lot of good players that deserve a chance. No matter what is said about my abilities, you can't win without a team attitude. It takes all of us to be successful.''

Clowney and the Stallions (1-1), No. 6 in the Observer's Sweet 16, visit No. 9 Independence (0-1) in a highly anticipated game between two of the area's top programs. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

South Pointe is coming off last weekend's nationally televised 42-20 loss to No.2 Rock Hill Northwestern. Independence lost its opener 26-6 on Aug. 20 against Mallard Creek, which is now No. 3 in the Sweet 16.

Clowney is at the top of the lists released by rivals.com and scouts.com and ESPN. Renowned high school analyst Tom Lemming, who ranked the top 100 players for maxpreps.com, has Clowney at No. 2 in the nation.

"You wouldn't believe all of the calls," Carroll said. "Nearly every big-time coach in the country is interested in signing him, and he has a stack of offers unlike any I've seen. I've coached five players now in the NFL and none were recruited as heavily as Clowney."

Clowney has listed South Carolina and Alabama among his top schools, but that could change. South Carolina is most mentioned by observers, not because of anything Clowney has said but because former Stallions teammates Stephon Gilmore and DeVonte Holloman play there.

He said he would probably announce his decision at the Under Armour All-American Game in January in Florida.

Clowney is low-key, preferring to stay out of the spotlight. It's not out of character for him to knock an offensive back flat on his back and help him to his feet after the play. But when they meet again, the runner knows there will be no mercy.

Carroll is confident that Clowney will succeed regardless of where he ends up. He described Clowney as one of the best players he's seen or coached.

"I'm not sure, but I believe this is the first time South Carolina has ever had the No. 1 recruit in the nation," Carroll said. "Most of the college coaches who have come through here said barring injury, he could be the top draft pick by the NFL in five years."

According to Jim Baxter, who runs scvarsity.com, South Carolina's branch of rivals.com, Carroll is correct about Clowney's unique status.

"We've had players ranked No. 1 nationally at their positions, but never anyone ranked No. 1 overall," Baxter said.

Clowney stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 245 pounds. He runs a 4.53 40-yard dash. Teams try to run away from him, but he has the ability to bolt into the backfield and run down runners from behind.

Clowney has outstanding strength and a 36-inch vertical leap.

According to the rivals.com website, when asked who was the best player in this year's senior class, the debate by its analysts lasted about 30 seconds.