How does Cliff Matthews decision bode for USC?

Cliff Matthews decision to postpone his college decision caught many off guard late last night when GamecockCentral.com recruiting analyst Tony Morrell broke the story. Is Georgia still the team to beat? How does his decision bode for the in-state schools? Where will Matthews ultimately spend the next four years of college?

According to various sources, Cliff Matthews, the 6'5 225 pound defensive end was set to select the University of Georgia at a press conference scheduled for Thursday evening in Cheraw. The 4 star prospect according to Rivals.com will now wait until after his senior season and four scheduled official visits before making that decision. Matthews stated that he will make official visits to South Carolina, Clemson, Georgia, and North Carolina. The rivals top 100 selection, will also attend the South Carolina-Georgia game scheduled for a 7:45 pm kick off on September 9th. The game will be played in front of a sell-out crowd and a national television audience on ESPN. This will be the first game Matthews has seen at Williams-Brice Stadium, and only the second college football game he has attended.

Cockfather Illustrated believes that Georgia is still the team to beat, but that the Bulldogs will ultimately finish 3rd in the race for Matthews services. Instead, look for this to be a battle of the in-state programs, who were both the beneficiaries of Matthews decision to delay his decision. Clemson, who initially led for Matthews last year, after he attended the Clemson-Miami game, will jump back into the fray with all their might. The Tigers are coming up short on pass rushing defensive ends, and Clemson recruiter Dabo Sweeney covets Matthews signature on National Signing Day.

The South Carolina Gamecocks also have a need at defensive end, and would love to acquire the services of the Cheraw jumbo-athlete to go along with All American defensive end Travian Robertson, and quite possibly Fort Dorchester High Stud Carlos Dunlap, who currently measures in at 6'7 252 pounds.

USC defensive line coach Brad Lawing will play a key role in the recruitment of Matthews, along with his primary recruiter David Reaves. Lawing has established a good rapport with Matthews, and is a relentless recruiter. Reaves has also done an excellent job with Matthews, and when you factor in the "Circle of Friends" aspect, USC has a lot going in its favor.

There is still one major factor going against both in-state schools, especially USC. That is the Cheraw High School Head Basketball, Coach Tony Harrell. Harrell is a huge Georgia fan, and a hater of the Evil Genius, as are most all Georgia fans. Harrell will use what ever influence he can to convince Matthews not to attend USC, even if that means attending Clemson.

Harrell is a mentor to Matthews, and has built a great relationship with him over the past three years. No one at Cheraw High School is closer to Cliff Matthews than Tony Harrell. It will be imperative for USC to separate Matthews college decision from his relationship with Harrell.

So, Which college will Matthews ultimately decide to attend? It is still too early to tell, but I do think his decision to delay the decision bodes extremely well for the Gamecocks. Should USC defeat Georgia on September 9th, I think the Gamecocks will be in the drivers seat for Matthews signature.