Gamecocks land commitment from junior college shortstop

South Carolina picked up a commitment from junior college prospect Justin Row of Fullerton College Wednesday night.

The shortstop has never been on campus at South Carolina, but that did not keep him from deciding he wants to play for the Gamecocks. USC assistant Sammy Esposito helped convince Row that South Carolina is the best place for him.

“It’s the best conference in the country. The atmosphere and experience at the school is going to be amazing, one of the top teams in the country year in and year out,” Row told The State. “Coach Esposito informed me with everything I needed to know about the school and the situation I would be stepping into.”

Row will compete for the starting shortstop job next year as the Gamecocks will have to replace senior Marcus Mooney.

The sophomore, from La Verne, Calif., is batting .390 on the year with 13 doubles, a triple and four home runs. He also has 23 RBIs and 15 stolen bases. Row knows replacing Mooney will be a tough task.

“Mooney is a great player, and all I’m going to do is compete and work for a starting job,” Row said.

He will arrive at South Carolina with two years of eligibility remaining.

Row attended Bonita High School in La Verne prior to going to Fullerton College.

This story was originally published May 4, 2016 at 7:40 PM.