Garnet And Black Attack - National Signing Day Coverage#SpursUphttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50351/gaba-fav.png2013-02-10T22:37:10-05:00http://www.garnetandblackattack.com/rss/stream/36700912013-02-10T22:37:10-05:002013-02-10T22:37:10-05:00PODCAST: Signing Day recap with Chris Clark
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<figcaption>QB Coach G.A. Mangus was the recruiter of record for many of this year's top prospects. | USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The letters of intent have been signed and faxed. What will we see when Steve Spurrier gets to play with his new toys?</p> <p>In this week's edition of Half Cocked, the Garnet And Black Attack podcast...</p>
<p>Chris Clark from GamecockCentral.com joins us to analyze South Carolina's incoming crop of football players and let us know what we can expect from each of the 21 letter of intent signees this fall, George and I analyze the quality of the names (both given and sur-) in this year's signing class, and Donnie Stanhope calls in to The Cock Box (312-789-5647 for The Cock Box) to remind me that each passing second brings me closer to death.</p>
<p>Subscribe to Half Cocked via <a target="_blank" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/half-cocked-south-carolina/id483059301" style="background-color: #ffffff;">iTunes</a> or <a target="_blank" href="http://halfcocked.libsyn.com/rss" style="background-color: #ffffff;">RSS</a>. Directly download this episode <a target="_blank" href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/halfcocked/Half_Cocked_82.mp3">here</a><a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/halfcocked/HC_58.mp3%20" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">.</a> Or stream this episode using the media player below:</p>
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https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2013/2/10/3975078/half-cocked-podcast-episode-82-national-signing-day-recap-with-chrisConnor Tapp2013-02-06T14:46:24-05:002013-02-06T14:46:24-05:00Keith Bryant chooses FSU over South Carolina
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<p>I mean, how could you possibly follow up getting sent home from an official visit to Florida Atlantic?</p> <p>With Skai Moore <a href="http://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2013/2/6/3960170/skai-moore-signs-with-south-carolina-ending-the-gamecocks-nightmarish" target="_blank">already on board</a> and Tyrell Lyons having signed with Florida State, there was just one bit of Signing Day drama remaining for South Carolina: Keith Bryant, who is equal parts four star defensive tackle prospect and anthropomorphic manifestation of the concept of drama.</p>
<p>If nothing else, there appeared to be reason that something interesting would happen when Bryant announced his decision today on ESPNU:</p>
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<p>Ima shock the world tomorrow</p>
— Keith Bryant (@BasedBoyKeith97) <a href="https://twitter.com/BasedBoyKeith97/status/298877179721285632">February 5, 2013</a>
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<p>This Signing Day Eve tweet from Keith Bryant notwithstanding, the four star defensive tackle ended up signing with Florida State, the program every recruiting analyst expected him to sign with.</p>
<p>To his credit, the Delray Beach star did everything within his power to throw recruitniks off the scent. He openly listed other schools as favorites while still being committed to Miami during the fall. He took a last minute official visit to Florida Atlantic. He got sent home early from a last minute official visit to Florida Atlantic for not taking his last minute official visit to Florida Atlantic very seriously. He tweeted that he couldn't wait to sign his letter of intent with Miami. He subsequently deleted that tweet. He had Kentucky and Southern Cal hats on his table at his announcement this morning.</p>
<p>So where does this leave the Gamecocks? Kelsey Griffin is the only interior defensive lineman to sign with the Gamecocks in the 2013 class. He could have an opportunity to play as a true freshman, depending on how <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138030/gerald-dixon">Gerald Dixon</a>, Jr., <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138033/phillip-dukes">Phillip Dukes</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158542/deon-green">Deon Green</a> develop during their third years in the program.</p>
<p>While South Carolina is by no means in dire straits at defensive tackle, it will be important for USC to sign two to three players at that position during 2014, especially if 2013 ends up being <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/132103/kelcy-quarles">Kelcy Quarles</a>' last year in Columbia.</p>
https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2013/2/6/3960410/keith-bryant-fails-to-deliver-on-promise-to-shock-the-world-signsConnor Tapp2013-02-06T13:50:02-05:002013-02-06T13:50:02-05:00Skai Moore signs LOI with South Carolina
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<p>The Gamecocks address a huge need by reeling in a four star linebacker from Fort Lauderdale.</p> <p>South Carolina graduated its entire two deep at middle and weakside linebacker after the 2012 season. Then, during bowl practice, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138019/cedrick-cooper">Cedrick Cooper</a> went down with a torn knee ligament that could keep him out through fall practice, leaving rising true sophomore <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158525/kaiwan-lewis">Kaiwan Lewis</a> and redshirt freshman <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158516/t-j-holloman">T.J. Holloman</a> as the only scholarship linebackers on the roster.</p>
<p>Luckily, South Carolina was set to reload with blue chippers Larenz Bryant and Matt Rolin coming in with the 2013 class. But then, days before he was set to enroll early at USC, Rolin - who would have been a third generation Gamecock legacy - enrolls at intradivision rival Florida instead.</p>
<p>I recount all of this - which many of you remember all to well - to set up just how huge it is that Skai Moore decided to sign with the Gamecocks. He's got the combination of talent and opportunity to come in and make an immediate impact at the outside linebacker position in South Carolina's 4-2-5 base defense.</p>
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<p>South Carolina is going to get a steal in Skai Moore, I think. At least the 4th-best LB recruit in Florida. Big senior year. @<a href="https://twitter.com/gridironstuds">gridironstuds</a></p>
— SB Nation Recruiting (@SBNRecruiting) <a href="https://twitter.com/SBNRecruiting/status/298864389690380288">February 5, 2013</a>
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<p>Because of how good he is in coverage, a lot of people think Larenz Bryant could ultimately end up being an ideal fit for the SPUR position (where 2013 signee Mohamed Camara is also projected), but the depth chart at that position is already populated by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116166/sharrod-golightly">Sharrod Golightly</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158535/marcquis-roberts">Marcquis Roberts</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158532/jordan-diggs">Jordan Diggs</a>. As a result, the more likely scenario is that - at least for now - he'll be competing with Moore at OLB.</p>
<p>Check out this fascinating interview that The Big Spur's John Whittle got with Moore, who details, among other things, why he didn't have more interest in the nearby <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/miami-hurricanes">Miami Hurricanes</a>, a program he grew up admiring:</p>
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https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2013/2/6/3960170/skai-moore-signs-with-south-carolina-ending-the-gamecocks-nightmarishConnor Tapp2013-02-05T01:33:21-05:002013-02-05T01:33:21-05:00Two uncommitted targets remain for South Carolina
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<figcaption>Jeff Blake-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>With Walton in and Ngakoue out, where do the the Gamecocks stand as they look to wrap up the 2013 recruiting cycle?</p> <p>Though Jonathan Walton seemingly made every effort to bury the news of his commitment to South Carolina by announcing it during the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Jwalton25/statuses/298244227933032448">via Twitter</a>, it does indeed appear as though <a target="_blank" href="http://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2013/2/4/3949608/jonathan-walton-committed-to-gamecocks/in/3670091">he will be a part of the Gamecocks' 2013 signing class</a>. Yannick Ngakoue, on the other hand, is reported to have <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/johnmwhittle/status/298607758322843649">eliminated USC from consideration</a> and is expected to decide between the hometown <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/maryland-terrapins">Maryland Terrapins</a> and Florida State.</p>
<p>With Walton in and Ngakoue out, where do the the Gamecocks stand as they look to wrap up the 2013 recruiting cycle?</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Remaining Targets</h3>
<h4>Keith Bryant, 4 stars, 183rd overall, 21st defensive tackle*</h4>
<p>The buzz coming from Tallahassee is that the Seminoles are very confident about landing the Delray Beach native, but Bryant is a kid who has embraced <a href="http://www.fauowlaccess.com/articles/133/fau-sends-keith-bryant-home.aspx" target="_blank">chaos for its own sake</a> at times during his recruitment and, when he takes the podium on Wednesday, could just as easily end up putting on a Miami Hurricane hat or a South Carolina Gamecock hat or an Idaho Vandal hat or <a target="_blank" href="http://youtu.be/ck9bxIC6bP4?t=1m4s">discover that his body has been acting as a host for an extraterrestrial parasite.</a></p>
<p><i>Decision timetable:</i> <b>National Signing Day</b><br><i>Completely unscientific approximation of the probability that Bryant will sign with South Carolina:</i> <b>40% </b>(-5%)</p>
<h4>Skai Moore, 3 stars, 385th overall, 28th outside linebacker</h4>
<p>Where Keith Bryant has been fascinating and eccentric, Skai Moore has handled the process in a manner that is much more relatable to a sports blogger like myself: low key and introverted. Despite the cryptic manner in which Moore has conducted himself, the consensus among recruiting analysts is that Moore is a lean to pick the Gamecocks on Signing Day.</p>
<p><i>Decision timetable:</i> <b>National Signing Day</b><br><i>Completely unscientific approximation of the probability that Moore will sign with South Carolina</i>: <b>65%</b> (+15%)</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">The Committed Guy We Could Still Get But Probably Not</h3>
<h4>Tyrell Lyons, 3 stars, 467th overall, 39th outside linebacker</h4>
<p>Publicly, Lyons still hasn't made a "final" decision about where he will play his college ball despite maintaining a commitment to Florida State. When you're looking to flip a prospect from a perennial power this close to Signing Day, no news is bad news - and there hasn't been much news on the Tyrell Lyons front since his official to Columbia a week and a half ago.</p>
<p><i>Decision timetable:</i> <b>National Signing Day</b><br><i>Completely unscientific approximation of the probability that Lyons will sign with South Carolina:</i> <b>10%</b> (-20%)</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Best Case Scenario?</h3>
<p>USC has room to take just two more, so the best case scenario for the remainder of the 2013 recruiting class is that the Gamecocks retain all current commitments while adding Skai Moore and Keith Bryant. As indicated above, Moore seems a much better bet than Bryant, but @SportsTalkSC seems to have a source that is a bit more optimistic about South Carolina's chances of landing both of the Florida prospects:</p>
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<p>Source familiar with Moore and Bryant tells us Monday night USC's chances for both increased during the day Monday to about 70%</p>
— SportsTalk (@sportstalksc) <a href="https://twitter.com/sportstalksc/status/298670533736816640">February 5, 2013</a>
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<p>Adding Moore as an OLB would add some nice linebacking depth in the class to go along with blue chip OLB/SPUR Larenz Bryant, SPUR Mohammed Camara, ILB <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="#">Gerald Turner</a>, and ILB Jonathan Walton. It might even come close to making Gamecock fans forget the heartache of losing Matt Rolin to Florida. (Ah, who am I kidding? Will anything ever accomplish that?)</p>
<p>At defensive tackle, there's an opportunity for immediate playing time in relief of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/132103/kelcy-quarles">Kelcy Quarles</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116192/j-t-surratt">J.T. Surratt</a> this fall, so adding Keith Bryant on top of Kelsey Griffin would be a nice step toward solidifying some depth along the defensive line and provide some competition for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158542/deon-green">Deon Green</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138030/gerald-dixon">Gerald Dixon</a>, Jr. (still not totally sure which one), and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138033/phillip-dukes">Phillip Dukes</a>.</p>
<p>*<i>All rankings and ratings per the 247Sports Composite recruiting index</i></p>
https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2013/2/5/3953088/ngakoue-reportedly-eliminates-south-carolina-leaving-two-uncommittedConnor Tapp2013-02-04T06:00:08-05:002013-02-04T06:00:08-05:00PODCAST: Signing Day Preview with Wes Mitchell
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Join us in being anxious about culmination of the 2013 recruiting cycle.</p> <p>In this week's edition of Half Cocked, the Garnet And Black Attack Podcast...</p>
<p>Wes Mitchell from The Big Spur joins us to talk Gamecock football recruiting and preview National Signing Day. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10821/stephen-garcia">Stephen Garcia's</a> Twitter account has a breakout performance, and George and I attempt to guess the names of Georgia's basketball players.</p>
<p>Subscribe to Half Cocked via <a target="_blank" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/half-cocked-south-carolina/id483059301" style="background-color: #ffffff;">iTunes</a> or <a target="_blank" href="http://halfcocked.libsyn.com/rss" style="background-color: #ffffff;">RSS</a>. Directly download this episode <a target="_blank" href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/halfcocked/Half_Cocked_81.mp3">here</a><a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/halfcocked/HC_58.mp3%20" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">.</a> Or stream this episode using the media player below:</p>
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https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2013/2/4/3949844/half-cocked-podcast-episode-81-national-signing-day-preview-with-wesConnor Tapp2013-02-04T00:58:59-05:002013-02-04T00:58:59-05:00Jonathan Walton Picks Gamecocks?
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<p>After a few days of intimations that he had chosen the Gamecocks over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/auburn-tigers" class="sbn-auto-link">Auburn Tigers</a>, Jonathan Walton appears to have made his decision official this evening.</p>
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<p>looks like ill be joining @<a href="https://twitter.com/mocamara3">mocamara3</a> at our new home!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23gamecocknation">#gamecocknation</a></p>
— Jonathan Walton (@Jwalton25) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jwalton25/status/298244227933032448">February 4, 2013</a>
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<p>Walton is a three-star prospect with an 87 rating according to <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Jonathan-Walton-13455">247 Sports</a>. At 6'1 / 227, his frame suits him well to play ILB. He's also a very athletic player who played some running back in high school. <a href="http://www.altoonamirror.com/page/content.detail/id/566937/Penn-State-got-in-early-on-rising-LB-recruit.html?nav=751">He has reportedly been clocked around 4.5 in the 40</a>. His blend of size and athleticism remind me a bit of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/10824/melvin-ingram" class="sbn-auto-link">Melvin Ingram</a> coming out of high school.</p>
<p>This is a very good pickup, and it's one the Gamecocks staff, including chief recruiter Kirk Botkin, deserve some credit for. Walton comes out of Bayside Academy in Baldwin Country, AL. It was no easy feat to convince him to come to South Carolina instead of Auburn. Kids like Walton dream of playing for 'Bama or AU. Granted, it seems that AU's plans to make Walton an h-back may have had something to do with his decision (Walton has a better shot at the pros as a LB), but still, I think most folks thought this kid was bound to be a Tiger. It's all the more impressive considering that we didn't turn up the heat on Walton until after the fiasco with Matt Rolin. The staff deserves a lot of credit for selling Walton on what Carolina has to offer.</p>
https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2013/2/4/3949608/jonathan-walton-committed-to-gamecocksGamecock Man2013-01-31T19:49:08-05:002013-01-31T19:49:08-05:00Recruiting: Several 2013 targets near decisions
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<p>The Lithona, GA defensive end prospect reaffirmed his pledge to sign with South Carolina following his official visit to Vanderbilt.</p> <p>Even though David Johnson favored South Carolina since the beginning of the recruiting process, many Gamecock recruiting nerds were nonetheless seized with anxiety that his flirtation with James Franklin and the Vanderbilt Commodores would result in losing a third 2013 commitment to an intradivision rival. Despite remaining committed to the Gamecocks throughout, Johnson continued to use language such as "I'll have a final decision soon" - not exactly words of encouragement. Add on top of that the fact that the defensive line coach who was on staff at the time that he committed, Brad Lawing, is no longer with the program plus James Franklin's uncanny salesmanship, and there appeared to be legitimate cause for concern.</p>
<p>But Johnson alleviated those fears by reaffirming his commitment to South Carolina on Wednesday, telling several media sources that he was sticking with the Gamecocks and that his decision is final.</p>
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<p>Lithonia (Ga) LB David Johnson says he will be sticking with the <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Gamecocks">#Gamecocks</a> after taking an official visit to <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Vandy">#Vandy</a> last weekend.</p>
— Josh Low (@GCJoshLow) <a href="https://twitter.com/GCJoshLow/status/296682763950641152">January 30, 2013</a>
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<p>According to the 247Sports Composite recruiting index, Johnson is a three star prospect, ranked the 16th weakside defensive end in the 2013 class and the 439th best prospect overall.</p>
<p>The Gamecocks will bring in a solid but unspectacular group of defensive ends, with Devin Washington, Devante Covington, and JUCO/prep placement Kendal Vickers rounding out the class. With the depth returning at the defensive end position, each of them will most likely redshirt in 2013.</p>
<p>By staying in the fold, the Gamecocks hold steady at 20 commitments in this class with room to take three more.</p>
<p>Let's update you on those...</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Remaining Targets</h3>
<h4>Skai Moore, 3 stars, 385th overall, 28th outside linebacker</h4>
<p>Moore was previously scheduled to officially visit either Arkansas or Tennessee the weekend of February 1st, but those plans have now been cancelled. Moore will make his decision between South Carolina, Vanderbilt, and Rutgers, with most experts thinking his decision will come down to the Gamecocks and Commodores. The elimination of the Razorbacks and Volunteers certainly helps South Carolina's chances, but this one looks like it will come down to the wire.</p>
<p><i>Decision timetable:</i> <b>National Signing Day (February 6th)</b><br><i>Completely unscientific approximation of the probability that Moore will sign with South Carolina: </i><b>50%</b> (+10%)</p>
<h4>Jonathan Walton, 3 stars, 930th overall, 52nd inside linebacker</h4>
<p>Reports about what Jonathan Walton is looking for in a college football program are as conflicting as all hell. Some say that Walton likes that Auburn wants to use him as an H-back. Others say that Walton would prefer to play linebacker, the position at which South Carolina has offered him. Coming out of his 1/25 official visit to Auburn, the Tigers appeared to have positioned themselves as the frontrunner, but recruiting analysts now have him anywhere from 50/50 between the two schools to slightly favoring the Gamecocks.</p>
<p>I'd still give the slight edge to Auburn because of proximity to home.</p>
<p><i>Decision timetable:</i> <b>He has reportedly already <a href="http://www.goupstate.com/article/20130131/PSPORTS02/130139931" target="_blank">reached a decision</a>, which he could divulge any time between now and Signing Day.</b><br><i>Completely unscientific approximation of the probability that Walton will sign with South Carolina:</i> <b>45%</b> (+20%)</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Holding Steady</h3>
<h4>Keith Bryant, 4 stars, 183rd overall, 21st defensive tackle</h4>
<p><i>Decision timetable:</i> <b>National Signing Day</b><br><i>Completely unscientific approximation of the probability that Bryant will sign with South Carolina</i>: <b>45%</b> (-5%)</p>
<h4>Yannick Ngakoue, 4 stars, 315th overall, 18th inside linebacker</h4>
<p><i>Decision timetable:</i> <b>National Signing Day</b><br><i>Completely unscientific approximation of the probability that Ngakoue will sign with South Carolina</i>: <b>45%</b> (-5%)</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Fortunes Fading</h3>
<h4>Tyrell Lyons, 3 stars, 467th overall, 39th outside linebacker</h4>
<p><i>Decision timetable:</i> <b>National Signing Day</b><br><i>Completely unscientific approximation of the probability that Lyons will sign with South Carolina:</i> <b>30%</b> (-10%)</p>
<h4>James Hearns, 3 stars, 311th overall, 17th inside linebacker</h4>
<p><i>Decision timetable:</i> <b>unknown</b><br><i>Completely unscientific approximation of the probability that Hearns will sign with South Carolina:</i> <b>10%</b> (-10%)</p>
https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2013/1/31/3937694/david-johnson-sticking-with-commitment-to-gamecocks-after-last-minuteConnor Tapp2013-01-30T04:04:25-05:002013-01-30T04:04:25-05:00Deadrin Senat chooses USF over USC. What now?
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The three star defensive tackle picks the Bulls over the Gamecocks. Where does that leave USC for the 2013 recruiting class?</p> <p>A little more than a week ago, it appeared as though Immokalee, FL defensive tackle Deadrin Senat was on the brink of committing to South Carolina, but on Tuesday he <a href="http://www.goupstate.com/article/20130129/PSPORTS02/130129578" target="_blank">announced his intention to sign with the South Florida Bulls.</a></p>
<p>The good news is that the crown jewel of the Gamecocks' defensive line class - Hochston, GA defensive tackle Kelsy Griffin - is already committed to South Carolina. The bad news is that Senat's commitment, paired with reports that Auburn is pulling away with Alabama LB Jonathan Walton, means that South Carolina has a much slimmer margin for error with the remaining targets if they want to finish with a strong class.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Remaining Targets</h3>
<h4>Keith Bryant, 4 stars 183rd overall, 21st defensive tackle*</h4>
<p>Bryant's recruitment has had more twists and turns and To Be Continued... cliffhangers than a J.J. Abrams television series. Bryant originally committed to the Miami Hurricanes, then was thought to be favoring South Carolina after an his unofficial during the weekend of the Georgia game, then decommitted from Miami, and then flaked on his scheduled official visit to South Carolina on January 18th to visit Miami while now naming Florida State as the favorite.</p>
<p>The Gamecocks finally got him back on campus for an official visit last weekend, a trip that Bryant and his family have given rave reviews. Now, Bryant says that his decision is <a href="http://www.goupstate.com/article/20130128/PSPORTS02/130129646" target="_blank">"practically made."</a> Steve Spurrier will be in Florida on Thursday to visit Bryant. The big defensive tackle is expected to announce a final decision on National Signing Day.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;"><i>Completely unscientific approximation of the probability that Bryant will sign with South Carolina:</i> <b>50%</b></span></p>
<h4>Yannick Ngakoue, 4 stars, 315th overall, 18th inside linebacker</h4>
<p>For the most part, everything has been quiet with the Mr. Ngakoue since his official visit to South Carolina on January 18th. Yannick was scheduled to visit Miami last weekend but cancelled that visit after his OV to Columbia. G.A. Mangus made the trip to visit Ngakoue in D.C. on January 23rd. Maryland assistant Mike Locksley dropped in on Tuesday. It's expected to come down to those to schools on National Signing Day.</p>
<p>I feel cautiously optimistic about South Carolina's chances of landing Yannick for a pair of reasons:</p>
<p>1) Ngakoue and Gamecock commit Na'Ty Rodgers have bonded during the recruiting process and the pair made their official visit together, which may negate to a certain degree any advantage that Maryland might have by having Ngakoue's teammate, Derwin Gray, already committed to their 2013 class</p>
<p>2) Ngakoue's decision to cancel his official visit to Miami in the wake of his visit to South Carolina logically suggests that something happened on his official visit to Columbia to make him think that he had seen all that he needed to see and didn't need to visit anywhere else.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;"><i>Completely unscientific approximation of the probability that Ngakoue will sign with South Carolina:</i> <b>50%</b></span></p>
<h4>Skai Moore, 3 stars, 385th overall, 28th outside linebacker</h4>
<p>Last weekend Moore visited Rutgers, the school to which he was originally committed. Coming out of his January 18th official visit, Moore was naming the Gamecocks as a favorite, but things seem to be up in the air now between a number of schools, including South Carolina, Rutgers, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, and Tennessee. Moore is currently scheduled to OV to Arkansas this weekend, but he could potentially change those plans and visit the Volunteers.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;"><i>Completely unscientific approximation of the probability that Moore will sign with South Carolina:</i> </span><b>40%</b></p>
<h4>James Hearns, 3 stars, 311th overall, 17th inside linebacker</h4>
<p>Since mentioning the Gamecocks as a team of potential interest in the immediate aftermath of having his offer pulled by Florida, not much has happened on the James Hearns front. Keep in mind that academics were the impetus behind his departure from the Gators' recruiting class, so even if he did end up committing to South Carolina, there's a high probability that he would end up needing to be placed in a JUCO or prep school.</p>
<p>Hearns visited Kentucky last weekend and does not currently have plans to visit South Carolina.</p>
<p><i style="line-height: 9px;">Completely unscientific approximation of the probability that Hearns will sign with South Carolina: </i><b>20%</b></p>
<h4>Tyrell Lyons, 3 stars, 467th overall, 39th outside linebacker</h4>
<p>Though Lyons has been committed to Florida State since February of 2012, his coach at First Coast described his recruitment as <a href="http://www.goupstate.com/article/20130129/PSPORTS02/130129582" target="_blank">"up in the air between the Gamecocks and Seminoles at this point"</a> coming out of his official visit to Columbia last weekend. A final decision from Lyons is expected within the next couple of days.</p>
<p><i style="line-height: 9px;">Completely unscientific approximation of the probability that Lyons will sign with South Carolina: </i><b>40%</b></p>
<p>Jonathan Walton</p>
<p>As alluded to above, most seem to think that Auburn's interest in trying Walton out as something of an h-back on the offensive side of the ball and his proximity to the school will lead to Walton ultimately signing with the Tigers.</p>
<p>Steve Spurrier visited Walton on Tuesday.</p>
<p><i style="line-height: 9px;">Completely unscientific approximation of the probability that Walton will sign with South Carolina: </i><b>25%</b></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Keep 'Em Committed</h3>
<p>Three star Lithonia, GA defensive and and current South Carolina commitment David Johnson visited Vanderbilt last weekend. For now he's saying that he's still a Gamecock, but he's also saying that he'll have a final decision in the next couple of days.</p>
<p>As of right now, Johnson is the only Gamecock commitment openly considering another school.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>*All ratings and rankings are according to 247Sports Composite.</p>
https://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2013/1/30/3930858/deadrin-senat-chooses-south-florida-over-south-carolina-what-nowConnor Tapp