GoGamecocks.com
Gamecocks land eighth commitment
Written by Phil Kornblut
Posted on 06.19.09
CommentsThe USC football team landed its third commitment of the week and the eighth for the 2010 class Thursday with a pledge from defensive lineman J.T. Surratt (6-3 287) of Winston-Salem, N.C.
Surratt committed to the Gamecocks over offers from Wake Forest, Marshall, Louisville, East Carolina and several FCS programs.
Surratt attended USC's lineman camp earlier this month but did not work out.
"I just met with coach [Jay] Graham and coach [Brad] Lawing," Surratt said. "Coach Graham had seen film on me at school and he took it to coach Lawing, and he said he liked me as soon as he saw the film."
Surratt had 107 tackles withi 28 sacks and 22 tackles for loss last season.
"I play like a small player because of how I run around the field," he said. "I'm real light on my feet."
Surratt also has excellent strength. He benches 410 pounds and owns the school record in the squat with an offer of 605 pounds.
Surratt has family in Columbia, and that was a big reason for his commitment. He also liked Lawing's approach to him.
"Coach Lawing said some things there that really stuck with me," Surratt said. "I believe he'll be the best coach for me of the coaches I've talked to."
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