South Carolina Football: Why South Carolina Is 'Defensive End U'

Every team in the SEC seems to have a moniker of some kind.

Alabama is known as "Linebacker U," Auburn can claim the name "Running Back U" and LSU could certainly argue that it deserves to be known as "Defensive Back U."

South Carolina is well on its way to becoming "Defensive End U."

The Gamecocks got commitments from two defensive ends on Thursday, 4-star Devin Washington from Orlando, Fla. and 3-star David Johnson from Lithonia, Ga. This comes in addition to junior college transfer Alfy Hill and 3-star Devante Covington.

Why is South Carolina having success on the recruiting trail at that position? Simple. Recruits see that the program is making stars out of its defensive ends, which translates to more exposure and a better chance at getting drafted.

Melvin Ingram just got selected with the 18th pick in last month's NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers. Ingram is coming off of a season in which he tallied 10 sacks, which tied the South Carolina single-season record. 

Devin Taylor and Jadeveon Clowney will bookend the 2012 edition of the South Carolina defensive line, both of whom will be drafted high in the NFL draft at the appropriate time.

Ellis Johnson did a great job with that South Carolina defense and now it's in the hands of Lorenzo Ward, who has technically held the title of defensive coordinator since 2009. 

Recruits gravitate to success, and South Carolina's success at defensive end is second to none right now.

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