Four-star defensive back Jaycee Horn chooses South Carolina

The South Carolina Gamecocks got some good news late on Monday night when four-star defensive back Jaycee Horn announced his pledge.

Formerly committed to Tennessee, Horn reopened his recruitment after the Vols fired Butch Jones. He also held offers from Alabama, Ohio State, and Clemson. The Alpharetta, Ga., product will play in the Under Armour All-American Game next month, where fans can see him in action on ESPN.

The 6-foot, 180-pounder is ranked 21st nationally at his position and 25th overall in the state of Georgia. He’s also the son of NFL player Joe Horn.

Here are a few other names to keep an eye on before the early signing period officially begins on Dec. 20:

Five-star defensive end K.J. Henry

File this very much under the long shot category, but the Clemmons, N.C. standout says “it’s a close one” between Clemson, Virginia Tech, Alabama, Georgia, and the Gamecocks. He’s been considered a Tigers lean, and also recently commented that his father, a coach looking for a job, could sway his decision if hired by one of his finalists. Hasn’t happened yet, but I suppose there’s still time for one of those schools to make that move.

Three-star defensive end Jarrett Jackson

Jackson, the 42nd-ranked strongside end by 247Sports, hails from Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. He is currently committed to Louisville, but took an official visit to South Carolina earlier this season and has kept the Gamecocks under consideration.

Three-star offensive guard Jovaughn Gwyn

The 15th-best prospect in North Carolina hailing from Charlotte, Gwyn has narrowed his list to just South Carolina and N.C. State, and appears to be trending toward the Gamecocks.

Four-star linebacker Channing Tindall

From right here in Columbia at Spring Valley, Tindall is likely another in the long shot category: He’s a considered a heavy lean to Georgia. 247 rated him the second-best prospect in the state and the fifth nationally at his position. It’s unclear if Tindall will make his choice during the early signing period, so this recruiting battle may stretch into February.

Three-star linebacker Rosendo Louis

Currently committed to Florida State, the Deerfield Beach, Fla., standout started reconsidering after the Seminoles’ coaching changes. He officially visited the Gamecocks last week, so we’ll see if Will Muschamp can work some magic.