The Gamecocks have picked up another commitment from the Tarheel state today, landing Laurinburg, NC Scotland County HS defensive end Byron McKnight. The 6'5 220 pound super sleeper jumbo-athlete has flown under the proverbial recruiting radar, but was personally evaluated by USC defensive coaches Brad Lawing and Tyrone Nix at USC's one day prospect camp in June.
According to Phil Kornblut of the South Carolina Network, McKnight said he contacted his recruiter Fred Chatham Thursday afternoon and made his pledge. "It feels great," he said. "I went to their scrimmage the other day and I talked to the defensive linemen and they made me feel part of the team. And knowing that Tra had already committed, I wanted to be with him."
McKnight, who has played only one year of football knows why he was a priority for the Gamecocks. "Rushing the passer," he said. "That's basically what they are looking for. They want me coming off the ball and getting to the quarterback."
Last season McKnight had 55 tackles and 4 sacks, even though he only played about half of the season on the defensive side of the ball, as he began the season at wide receiver and then tight end. McKight was moved over to defense after his teammate and fellow USC commitmnet Travian Robertson went down with a season ending knee injury.
Cockfather Illustrated has personally evaluated McKnight, and believe USC is getting a flat out steal. The 6'5 220 pounder has lived in the recruiting shadow of 4 star, and Rivals.com 100 defensive end prospect Travian Robertson. While Robertson is clearly the better prospect of the two right now, McKnight is taller, has a wider frame, and has a tremendous up-side. It is conceivable that McKnight will grow into a 6'5 285 pounder that will be capable of playing end or tackle.
As forecast earlier today on Cockfather Illustrated, McKnight's USC commitment further seals the deal on Travian Roebrtson's USC commitment over Clemson. That's right boys and girls, Robertson chose USC over Clemson.
Add McKnight as a yet another stellar evaluation by the USC coaching staff. Names like Moe Brown, Captain Munerlyn, Rodney Paulk, Eric Norwood, Terrance Campbell, Emmanuel Cook, and Darian Stewart come to mind from this past years class, along with guys like Lemuel Jeanpierre, and Jared Cook from coach Spurrier's first recruiting class.
USC's football recruiting momentum just keeps on rolling.
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1 comment:
cockyweim,
Philpot is actually the one that used that quote on his messageboard when he thought Travian was going to Clempson.
"How Sweet It Is"
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