Here’s what D.J. Wonnum thinks about pressuring his brother to pick South Carolina

Over the past several weeks, the name Wonnum has become a familiar one for South Carolina fans, as sophomore D.J. Wonnum has captured two straight SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week awards and leads the Gamecocks in sacks and tackles for loss.

And if D.J. had his way, things would stay that way even after he’s gone.

Wonnum’s younger brother, Dylan, is a standout offensive lineman for Tucker High School, near Atlanta, and is a top target for the Gamecocks this recruiting cycle. Rated as a 4-star prospect by 247Sports, Dylan Wonnum is one of the best high school offensive tackles in the country and has offers from nine SEC schools.

Obviously, the family connection has made South Carolina a top contender for the younger Wonnum, and he has visited the Gamecocks unofficially since his brother stepped on campus.

But USC is not a forgone destination for Dylan, and he has listed LSU and Auburn as serious competitors, saying he does not plan to make his commitment until after his senior season, in December.

On Tuesday, D.J. Wonnum reiterated that he is trying not push his brother too hard on joining the Gamecocks.

“I stay in his ear about South Carolina, but I don’t want to pressure him too much because during my process I was pressured a lot,” Wonnum said. “So I just want him to enjoy this process, but at the end of the day, I would love for him to come to Carolina and play with him.”

Wonnum also said he spent the past bye weekend with his family in Tucker, Georgia, and watched Dylan and Tucker High School thrash their opponent, 62-12.

At one point, however, D.J. Wonnum did seem to slip when asked if he had ever gone head to head against his offensive lineman brother, referring to “when” Dylan comes to South Carolina before correcting himself.

“If he decides to come here, there will be some competition,” Wonnum said.

This story was originally published October 24, 2017 at 1:23 PM with the headline "Here’s what D.J. Wonnum thinks about pressuring his brother to pick South Carolina."