Gamecocks land Kingston’s first commit in highly-rated OF

South Carolina has landed its first commit under Mark Kingston and it is a player that is very familiar with the new Gamecocks coaching staff.

Two-way player Brady Allen announced a commitment to South Carolina on Tuesday. He was previously a South Florida commit before opening up his recruitment after Kingston and assistant coach Mike Current left for USC.

Allen is rated as the No. 158 prospect nationally by Perfect Game and is considered to be one of the best hitters in Florida for the class of 2018.

“When I committed to the coaches at USF I saw that they have a desire to win and very good baseball smarts of how to do it and how to get to Omaha. I was attracted to that,” Allen said. “When they left USF to go to South Carolina it just didn’t feel right at USF… When Coach Kingston gave me the offer and the opportunity to go there I couldn’t refuse it.”

Allen, who lives in Lakeland, Fla., was a star at the plate and on the mound at George Jenkins High this past season as a junior.

He hit .389 with seven doubles, five homers and 24 RBIs and was 5-0 with two saves and a 0.83 ERA.

“When Coach Kingston said at his press conference he was looking for speed and power, I would say I bring a good amount of power to the table, along with some pretty good speed to steal some bases and get some extra-base hits,” Allen said. “I’ll play primarily outfield and maybe close some as a pitcher.”

While Allen committed to South Carolina due in large part to the new coaching staff, he is also familiar with other parts of the Gamecocks program.

“I’ve heard many great things about South Carolina,” he said. “I heard the atmosphere is unbeatable and the fans love their South Carolina baseball. The facilities are unmatched.”

Allen was playing in the Perfect Game event in Atlanta last week and said it was great to have Kingston and Current at his games. He committed to USC a few days later.

“It was different seeing them in their new colors but I think it’s for the best,” he said.

This story was originally published July 11, 2017 at 2:26 PM.