FLORENCE, S.C. -- The state of South Carolina has produced the No. 1-ranked prospect twice in the 12 years ESPN has ranked prospects. Both times, the top ranked prospect in the country was a defensive end with Da'Quan Bowers holding the top spot in the 2008 class, and Jadeveon Clowney doing the same in 2011.
The Palmetto State now has a third No. 1-overall in defensive end Xavier Thomas. The nation's top-ranked junior took the to reflect on the ranking last week.