Arden Key Decommits from South Carolina: What's Next for Gamecocks, 4-Star DE?

South Carolina’s 2015 class took another big hit when 4-star defensive end Arden Key announced his decommitment from the Gamecocks late Tuesday evening.

"

I have decommited from South Carolina . Me nor my coaches will take any phone calls from the media .

— WALKING LEGEND ‼️ (@ArdenKey) January 7, 2015"

According to John Whittle of The Big Spur, Key has an official visit lined up on Jan. 30 to see Auburn. He also has visits scheduled for LSU on Jan. 16, Miami on Jan. 19 and South Carolina on Jan. 23.

Whittle reports that it's unclear whether or not Key will still take his visit to Columbia, but the 6’5”, 230-pounder noted that the Gamecocks are still his top school via Twitter.

It’s clear that there will be some twists and turns down the stretch of Key’s recruitment, but what’s next for South Carolina and the defensive lineman?

For starters, the biggest thing Steve Spurrier and his staff can do is simply plug the leaks and hold on to the current recruits they already have.

Key’s decommitment is the latest defection in a string of blows that have seen high-profile prospects such as 4-star corner Mark Fields and 4-star defensive end Chauncey Rivers bolt the Gamecocks' 2015 class. 

The good news for the Gamecocks is that Key hasn’t completely ruled out landing in Columbia when all is said and done. Whittle notes that Key had already decommitted once before, only to end up back with his original pledge.

"

South Carolina still #1 on my board . Nobody knows my situation.

— WALKING LEGEND ‼️ (@ArdenKey) January 7, 2015"

Time will tell if history repeats itself.

Another plus for the Gamecocks is that their current class still has commitments from seven defensive ends—with JUCO transfers Marquavius Lewis and Ulric Jones scheduled to be on campus later this month as early enrollees.

Also, Lewis and Jones are two of five JUCO defensive ends in the Gamecocks class, which should provide an immediate boost next fall while softening the blow of losing a talented pass-rusher.

As for Key, with his commitment status no longer hindering him, he can find which school fits his talents the best.

Aside from the Gamecocks, Auburn, Georgia and LSU appear to be the three primary schools in the running for Key—with most of the smoke surrounding the Tigers and the Bulldogs.

According to Keith Niebuhr of Auburn Undercover (subscription required), new Tigers defensive coordinator Will Muschamp has made an impression on the Atlanta native.

Key told Niebuhr:

"

He talked to both me and my dad and told me about how he would use me in the defense there. I kind of like Muschamp. I think he is going to help out Auburn. And they're losing like eight defensive linemen so I can come in and play right away.

"

Regardless of how Key’s recruitment plays out, it’s clear that his recruitment will be one of the more intriguing battles to play out between now and national signing day.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

Follow @SanjayKirpalani