Will Register commits to USC: ‘I’ve always wanted to be a Gamecock’

One day after receiving an offer from South Carolina after attending camp, Chapin tight end Will Register returned to campus and gave his commitment to the Gamecocks.

Register (6-4, 230) posted his news on his Twitter page and becomes USC’s first pledge for the Class of 2017.

“Just committed to the University of South Carolina. Proud to be a gamecock!!” is how Register put it.

Earlier in the week Register camped at Clemson and picked up an offer from the Tigers. After getting the USC offer, he said he’d have a tough decision to make between the in-state schools and would not rush into one. But he was just kidding.

“I really was keeping quiet about it,” he said. “I’ve grown up a Gamecock. I’ve grown up here all around Gamecock football so I’m very happy with my decision and I feel like it’s definitely the right one for me. I’ve always wanted to be a Gamecock football player and now I’ve got an opportunity. I'm definitely excited.”

Register said he did not tell the Gamecock coaches Friday of his plans to commit and sprung it on them Saturday afternoon when he returned for the Showcase Camp.

“They were all high-fiving and stuff and were real excited,” he said. “It was good.”

Register spent a lot of time Saturday with 2016 USC quarterback commitment Brandon McIlwain and he’s looking forward to working him and the other quarterbacks when he arrives in 2017.

“It sounds like they will use me both as an inline blocking tight end and also split me out and see if I can run some routes and help them with the receiving game as well,” he said.

Growing up a USC fan and living close by, Register is well-informed on the ups and downs of the program and the daily rumors about the future of Steve Spurrier as head coach.

“Coach Spurrier is a great coach and I’m really looking forward to being coached under him,” Register said. “I believe he has a great staff around him, too. If Coach Spurrier at some point decides he needs to resign from South Carolina, I really believe the program itself will be able to keep moving forward. But Coach Spurrier is a big part of it and I really want to play under him.”

Last season Register had 18 catches for 262 yards and 2 touchdowns.

This story was originally published June 12, 2015 at 4:23 PM with the headline "Will Register commits to USC: ‘I’ve always wanted to be a Gamecock’."