Woodmont linebacker commits to South Carolina

Woodmont linebacker Davonne Bowen (6-foot-2, 216 pounds) Wednesday announced a commitment to USC, becoming the Gamecocks second commitment of the day. Earlier defensive end Devonte Wyatt of Decatur, Georgia committed to the Gamecocks.

Bowen worked out at the Gamecocks' camp Saturday and earned an offer. That immediately shot the Gamecocks to the head of the pack of offers that also included Louisville, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Marshall, Appalachian State, Georgia Southern, Old Dominion and several FCS in-state programs.

"I just love everything about what they are doing," Bowen said. "I love the coaches and everything about the school. The fanbase is crazy, just wanted me to be a part of the family. I was just looking for where my heart would take me and South Carolina has always been a school I've been interested in and looking for an offer from. Once I finally got it and talked to my family about it, friends and people who knew about my whole recruitment thing, it just felt right."

Bowen emerged from the recruiting shadows this spring and started to pull in some major offers. He capped his efforts with a strong showing at USC Saturday.

"They just love the way I get after it," Bowen said. "They said they liked my work ethic and the way I get after the quarterback. Everything about the way I play. They look for fast guys who like to get after it, who like to play, so they feel like I fit just everything they are looking for perfect."

Bowen also plays defensive end for coach Ned Cuthbertson. He had 14 sacks last season and his coach said his speed is a standout quality.

"He's a hard working young man who is super explosive," Cuthbertson said. "He can run just as fast as a running back or receiver. I know that he can rush the passer better than anybody in the nation, or at least as good as them, that I know or I've seen. That's a huge dynamic especially if you send him on the blitz that he offers to any program at the next level."

Bowen also had 61.5 tackles and eight tackles for loss last season. He gives the Gamecocks 12 commitments for the 2017 recruiting class.

This story was originally published June 8, 2016 at 12:03 PM with the headline "Woodmont linebacker commits to South Carolina."