Lott To Be On Hand Thursday Night | The State

USC's Thursday night opener against NC State will attract some close by prospects, but many prospects from outside the Midlands won't be able to make it because of school and games the next day. But DL Derrick Lott (6-5 275) of Kennesaw, GA doesn't have a game this Friday, so he plans to be at the game on an unofficial visit.

Lott has already visited USC several times and likes what he saw. Eric Norwood went to the same high school as Lott and has told him many great things about South Carolina. "He says the fans are great. All big schools are going to be loud but he says it's really loud there. I hear they have a great gameday atmosphere too."

That is not all that has impressed Lott. "I really liked the campus and the coaches and players were great."

Lott says one of the determining factors is early playing time. "I really don't want to redshirt."

He has offers from USC, Louisville, Central Florida, Oklahoma State, Michigan State, and Ole Miss. He says other schools are showing interest including FSU, Florida, and Clemson. Lott said two of his official visits will be USC and Oklahoma State, and he will take his official visits before making a decision.

His junior year, Lott had 63 tackles, 8 for loss, and 7 sacks. He feels his speed and long arms are his strengths but thinks he could work on coming off the ball better. He runs a 4.59 40 and hopes to get quicker this season.