Four-star JUCO DE Darrius Caldwell commits to South Carolina

Four-star JUCO defensive end Darrius Caldwell made it known that the only thing standing between him and a commitment to South Carolina was an official offer from the Gamecocks. That finally came on Wednesday, when defensive line coach Deke Adams stopped by to visit Caldwell and check up on his academic situation.

Caldwell originally came out of  Atlanta (Ga.) Mays High School and signed with Illinois before transferring to Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, Miss. two years later.

The 6'6, 240 weakside defensive end becomes the fourth defensive lineman to commit to the Gamecocks' 2014 class and is South Carolina's third defensive line pledge from the JUCO ranks, joining three-star end Jhaustin Thomas and four-star tackle Abu Lamin (who has already enrolled). Carolina hasn't traditionally relied very heavily upon JUCO prospects under Steve Spurrier, but the Gamecocks are trying to replace Chaz Sutton and a pair of All-Americans, so they'll take all of the ready-to-play talent they can get.

If #Gamecocks can get Jhaustin Thomas and Caldwell into school, that's two guys that are physically ready to play next season.

— Chris Clark (@GCChrisClark) January 22, 2014

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