Gamecocks flip Class of 2016 defensive lineman

South Carolina continues to move forward with recruiting for the 2016 class despite not having a head coach in place for next season.

The Gamecocks gained a commitment Wednesday night from defensive end Griffin Gentry (6-2, 260) of Homewood, Ala. He’s the second commitment for the Gamecocks since Steve Spurrier announced his resignation last month.

Gentry had more than a dozen offers and had been committed to Troy.

After USC offered late last month, he immediately moved the Gamecocks to the top of his list along with Troy and Memphis. That momentum USC had built with him continued over the last couple of weeks until he called recruiter Kirk Botin on Wednesday night with his commitment.

“I talked it over with my coach and my family and playing in the SEC has been a long time dream of mine,” Gentry said. “I’ve always liked South Carolina. I’ve always wanted to play for them, so when the opportunity came I wanted to go ahead and take it.”

Gentry understands that Botkin and the rest of the defensive staff may not be there come December and the new coaching staff will have to review him all over again, but that’s a risk he’s willing to take.

“I did think about what’s going to happen with Coach Botkin and all that, but I feel confident that whoever we get will be a good fit,” he said.

Gentry has more than 80 tackles so far this season. As a junior he had 106 tackles and seven sacks. He’s confident he has what it takes to make it in the SEC.

“I think I will be a really good fit at South Carolina in their 4-3 defense,” he said. “I think that’s one of my strengths, being one on one with the tackle or guard. And I can play any position.”

Gentry will take an unofficial visit to USC for the Florida game and will schedule his official visit with the Gamecocks for later on. Gentry gives the Gamecocks 16 commitments for the 2016 class, four on the defensive line.

This story was originally published November 4, 2015 at 10:52 PM.