South Carolina Football Recruiting: Larenz Bryant Commits to Gamecocks

One of the Gamecocks' top remaining targets made it official on Monday afternoon when Larenz Bryant committed to South Carolina, according to JC Shurburtt from 247sports.com. 

Bryant is a 4-star linebacker on most recruiting services and is considered one of the top players in the state of North Carolina. 

The 6'1", 210-pound linebacker plays both ways for his high school in Charlotte, N.C. as he racked up over 1,400 yards and 22 touchdowns as a running back last season. His future for the Gamecocks, though, will be on the defensive side of the football. 

Bryant has the speed to play outside linebacker at the next level—his 40-yard dash speed is listed as 4.43. Bryant also has a well-built frame, but could stand to add some weight as he gets prepared for the SEC. It's a brutal conference and size is everything. Luckily, his speed will be an asset for him as he matches up against wide receivers, tight ends and running backs at the next level. 

Bryant will have to use that speed along with his explosiveness and determination to see the field early for the Gamecocks, but he has a chance to play right away in 2013. South Carolina is losing several linebackers including Shaq Wilson, Damario Jeffery, Reginald Bowens and Quin Smith after the 2012 season. 

It's easy to see why Bryant chose the Gamecocks. Playing time, comfort level with the coaches and being close to home all seemed to be big factors for this outstanding student-athlete who sports a 3.75 GPA. 

This is the 18th commitment for South Carolina in the 2013 class. Bryant joins linebacker commitments Matt Rolin and Brandon Golson as the linebacker core of the future. 

A very big commitment for the Gamecocks and their future.