Javon Kinlaw re-commits to South Carolina Gamecocks football

Javon Kinlaw has recommitted to the South Carolina Gamecocks. The JUCO defensive end, at one time a Gamecocks pledge before decommitting in November, made his decision on National Signing Day and is set to officially sign with the program.

Kinlaw, who pledged shortly before Christmas 2015, looked to be firmly committed to the class before he re-opened his recruitment on November 14. It led to some friction between him and Will Muschamp, and it was thought that perhaps bridges were burned when it came to a possible return to the class. But any miscommunications and frustrations were cleared up, opening the door for his decision today.

Kinlaw saw his stock rise in junior college as he ended up as the class of 2017’s top JUCO defensive end. In eight games, he registered 26 tackles and 4.5 sacks to help pace the Jones CC defense. He should compete for time right away and figure into Lance Thompson’s defensive line rotation as soon as this fall.