Harvey-Clemons drama plays out before the nation

Mark McLeod, ESPN Radio

Lowndes County outside linebacker/receiver prospect Josh Harvey-Clemons committed to sign with Georgia during a ceremony at the high school. However, things have temporarily been delayed.

Harvey's legal guardian is his grandfather, Woodrow Clemons, has refused to sign the National Letter of Intent because he is unhappy with his grandson's choice of schools. Josh Harvey-Clemons is 17 years old and is required to have his legal guardian sign the LOI.

The rumor is that the grandfather wished for his grandson to attend the University of Florida.

The Florida and Florida State coaching staffs felt they had a good opportunity to land Harvey-Clemons, based on what he had been telling them. Obviously, there was some concern when Harvey-Clemons chose to visit the University of Georgia late in the process. It's never good when the home team gets a look late in the game.

I have been unable to reach Josh Harvey-Clemons to get a statement on if the matter has been resolved. As of late Wednesday evening, the Valdosta Daily-Times spoke to Roy Hart, Josh Harvey-Clemons uncle, who said the family had still had not seen Woodrow Clemons. The Valdosta Daily-Times tried repeatedly to reach Woodrown Clemons and Josh Harvey-Clemons, but had no such luck.

Personally, I have to believe this will all blow over and Woodrow Clemons will sign the Letter of Intent and this will be resolved. The kid should be allowed to make his choice at this stage of his life. Is this just a case of a parent/guardian trying to live life vicariously through their children or did Harvey-Clemons indeed lead Florida and/or Florida State to believe that he was signing with their respective school? Regardless, the grandfather is definitely trying to make a point to the young man.

Mark McLeod is the host of “The Mark McLeod Show” and covers Gators football, recruiting, and baseball for ESPN Radio (Gainesville/Ocala). Mark is a member of the Football Writers Association of America. You can follow him on Twitter at @McLeodLive. E-mail Mark at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it