Now that we know Jadeveon Clowney is indeed headed to South Carolina, what does it mean for the Gamecocks?

On the field, the Gamecocks should have a chance next season to be as good as anybody in the league in the defensive line. As the No. 1 overall prospect in the country, the 6-6, 252-pound Clowney has the physical tools to step right in as a freshman and be an effective pass-rusher.

Obviously, there will be some growing pains as he gets used to going up against bigger offensive tackles, and teams will also probably try to run right at him to counter his quickness and burst off the edge.

Here’s the other thing: The Gamecocks have a first-team All-SEC player returning at the other end in Devin Taylor, who had 7.5 sacks last season. Melvin Ingram, who played inside last season for the Gamecocks, had nine sacks.

South Carolina led the SEC with 41 sacks last season, and when you throw Clowney into that mix, the Gamecocks’ pass-rush should really be something to see in 2011. Travian Robertson is another experienced defensive tackle for returning for South Carolina, and this defensive line class is extremely promising.

The Gamecocks picked up four other defensive linemen -- Gerald Dixon Jr., Gerald Dixon, Phillip Dukes and Kelcy Quarles -- who are originally from the state of South Carolina. The 6-4, 280-pound Quarles attended Fork Union (Va.) Military Academy last year after originally signing with the Gamecocks out of high school. He was an ESPNU 150 selection in 2010, and physically, looks like he’s ready to contribute. South Carolina beat Alabama, Auburn and Clemson to get the 6-3, 295-pound Dukes.

Clowney’s impact on South Carolina’s program will extend much deeper than merely what he does on the field.

Players want to play with other great players, and getting Clowney should help the Gamecocks’ recruiting the next couple of years.

And there’s no way to understate how important it’s been for South Carolina to keep most of the best players in-state at home the last few years, which was a priority for recruiting coordinator Shane Beamer when he took over that role at the conclusion of the 2008 season. In the past, the Gamecocks struggled to get some of the elite players from the state, in particular linemen. Ellis Johnson, the Gamecocks' assistant head coach for the defense, has really cleaned up in the Rock Hill area.

Marcus Lattimore, Alshon Jeffery, Stephon Gilmore and DeVonte Holloman -- along with Brandon Shell, Clowney and Dukes in this class -- were all nationally rated players who could have gone just about anywhere in the country, but chose to stay home and play for the Gamecocks.

Don’t be surprised if landing Clowney opens up even more doors for the Gamecocks, who moved up to No. 15 nationally in ESPN’s final class rankings.