Football recruiting: Three-star offensive lineman Jozie Milton commits to South Carolina

South Carolina continued its red hot streak on the recruiting trail this week when three-star offensive lineman Jozie Milton announced his committed to the Gamecocks on Friday. Milton hails from Clinton, La., an area where the Gamecock coaching staff has rarely recruited. USC was helped by the fact that Jozie's father, Mike, played college football with defensive line coach Deke Adams at Louisiana-Monroe. The talented lineman had 22 offers to his credit and picked the Gamecocks over Arkansas, Mississippi State, Oklahoma State, and West Virginia. Measuring at 6'3 and 294 pounds, Milton is rated as the No. 43 player in Louisiana and 747th overall prospect in the 2015 class.

Milton is a strong, powerful interior offensive lineman and really plays the game with a nasty streak. The big man is a versatile athlete and has played center, guard, and nose tackle during his prep career. South Carolina was the first school to offer him a scholarship as a center and firmly believes he has the ability to excel in the middle of the offensive line. Milton shows a lightening quick first step off the snap, uses his hands well, and downright overpowers opponents. He has natural strength, plays the game with a non-stop motor, and has really shined on the camp circuit.

Gamecock fans should note that there still remains a potential roadblock in signing Milton. The LSU coaching staff continues to evaluate Milton at both center and defensive tackle and hope to get him on campus for a camp in June. Like the majority of football prospects in Louisiana, if the Tigers offered, they would instantly become a player for his services. Milton has openly expressed his desire for an offer from Les Miles' program.

For now, the Gamecock coaching staff is glad to have him in the fold and will do whatever they can to sign him come February 2015. Milton is the second offensive lineman and the 10th overall commitment in the 2015 class. His commitment moves South Carolina up to No. 8 in the 247Sports Composite recruiting ranking.

Now treat yourself to a video of Milton deadlifting 585 pounds as a 14-year-old: