USC gets linebacker commitment

Linebacker Brent Singleton (6-foot-1, 204 pounds) of Plantation, Fla., committed to USC Thursday becoming the fifth pledge for the Gamecocks’ 2009 class. Singleton also considered offers from Minnesota, Syracuse, Indiana, Miami of Ohio, Colorado State, Northern Illinois, Florida International and Central Michigan before going with USC.

“It’s in the best conference,” Singleton said. “They need help in backers. I’m coming in with the mind set of taking a starting job. Coach Ellis Johnson said they are glad to have me. And coach Gillespie and I have a good relationship.”

— Phil Kornblut