Josh Harvey-Clemons checks in at 6'5 and 215-pounds and 4.5 speed from Valdosta (GA) Lowndes High School. The four star standout plays quarterback, wide receiver, linebacker and safety but has the athletic ability to play just about any position he wants.
Not many kids have to overcome the loss of both parents but that's exactly what Josh Harvey-Clemons has done. Josh lost his father at the early age of four and his mother as he was entering the fourth grade.
It's not about football and all about family and dedication for Josh. It should come as no surprise those will be key factors as he edges closer to his public decision at the Army All-America game in San Antonio in early January.
Josh has an amazing support staff around him and it would be impossible to acknowledge all those that have had a positive impact on his life. Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow Clemons, his grandparents who raised him and his uncle, Abe Clemons have all played a huge role in this young man's life. Scout.com caught up with Woodrow to learn more about the story away from the football field.
"JC has a phenomenal character, Mr. Woodrow Clemons said. "He is very quiet except for around family members. JC is a motivator and interacts well with others in a positive manner. He is a positive role model for his peers and younger children. He is a hard worker and is a dedicated player and student. JC is motivated by coaches and his family members. His father died when he was four years old. My daughter, his mother passed away when he was going to the 3rd grade. He was very blessed with his Mother's family base and his Church family being Mt. Calvary and New Zion Christian Center and friends. My wife and I completed the adoption papers before my daughter passed away. The hardship was cushioned with the love and caring provided for him and his younger brother by my wife and I."
Every so often you come across a family that has a story that needs to be told.
"Abe along with his other uncles are just being family, loving and caring as we have always been. My wife and I just try to be loving and supporting parents as he is our son not grandson. His aunts play an equal role in his life the same as the uncles. The Clemons family has always been blessed and loving and caring for each other not just starting and ending with Josh. The detail of his hardship is a daily struggle for me more so than Josh. Therefore, we thank God for life just as it is. Due to the positive people in his life we try not to dwell on the past. Finally, God showered his grace and mercy on JC's life and talents."
Josh Harvey-Clemons has been offered by some of the top programs in college football such as Georgia, Florida, Florida State, Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, Clemson, Miami, Kentucky, Arkansas, Oregon, Notre Dame and Louisville. Mr. Clemons spoke about all of the top notch programs that have offered his son.
"They all have great head coaches and a great coaching staff. The SEC stands out because of the toughness of their athletes. All of the schools have awesome athletic facilities. The universities have outstanding educational program and facilities. The universities assist the players in preparation for playing at the next level and for life in general."
As far as the most important factors for Josh and his family.
"Coaches and Teammates—trustworthy, family oriented and dedicated. He enjoyed all of the visits and anticipates the College life. He has a good relationship with Coach White as well as Coach Bobo and Coach Hudson along with Coach Dooley."
Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Alabama or even LSU could strike gold landing not only Josh Harvey-Clemons the football player but the person.