South Carolina landed a huge commitment on Monday, when Charlotte (N.C.) Vance linebacker Larenz Bryant made the call to be a part of Gamecocks' 2013 class.
Linebacker Larenz Bryant
"Yes, sir, I committed to South Carolina," said Bryant. "It was the right fit for me and above everything else, it felt like home."
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound playmaker, who was recruited by South Carolina assistant Shawn Elliott, is the 18th commitment in the Gamecocks' 2013 class.
Bryant discussed his decision with his mom on Monday morning and then placed a call to South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier.
"Coach Spurrier was really excited. He told me that he couldn't wait to have me on campus to coach me. He told me to have fun this season and get myself mentally and physically ready to play for the Gamecocks next season."
He's also the highest-rated member of the class currently, checking in at No. 42 in the nation and the No. 4 outside linebacker nationally.
Bryant will join Ashburn (Va.) Briar Woods linebacker Matt Rolin, who ranks as the No. 10 outside linebacker nationally, to form a dynamic duo.
The two will be in Portland (Ore.) next week for Nike's The Opening.
"I haven't talked to Matt yet but I'm looking forward to catching up with him out in Oregon. It will great to compete with him out there and start our relationship before we get to South Carolina."
Bryant ultimately chose South Carolina over his other finalists, Clemson, Virginia, Wake Forest, and Florida.
"I'm really excited about my decision. I can't wait to be a Gamecock."
As a junior, Bryant racked up 154 tackles, 23 tackles for losses, 7 sacks, and four interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns.
Although he's only being recruited as a linebacker, Bryant is an accomplished offensive player as well. Last season he rushed for 1,423 yards and 22 touchdowns.
In the classroom, Bryant maintains a 3.75 GPA.
Insider Notes from Tony Morrell
Thoughts on Bryant from Keith Niebuhr
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