Recruits react to Spurrier news: Brandon McIlwain declares himself ‘fully committed’

A roundup of reaction from South Carolina’s committed football players to the news that Steve Spurrier is retiring (updated Tuesday evening).

QB commit Brandon McIlwain, Newtown, Pa., via Twitter

“I love SC for many reasons, while Coach Spurrier was one of them I respect his decision and I am still fully committed to SC.”

RB commit C.J. Freeman, Greensboro, N.C., via Twitter

“First off I want to say that I am still committed to the University of South Carolina. Obviously it’s sad to not be able to play for the legend Coach Spurrier. However, having the great Head Ball Coach retire himself doesn’t put a dent in my recruitment, but the possibilities and the risk of what comes with it is what I’m concerned about. My family and I have built a great relationship with the staff and it causes concern for me and my family when coaches on the staff don’t know if they will have the job when I enroll. I don’t want to take the risk of being put in the worst possible situation. I will continue to evaluate my options and me and my family will decide what’s best for my future.”

OL commit Pete Leota, Asheville, N.C.

“Deke Adams just called. He was just talking about how Steve Spurrier talked it over with the team and he’s going to retire. He’s been a great head coach. It doesn’t really change anything about my commitment.

“I didn’t see it coming. During the summer he was saying he might be there for four or five more years. I really didn’t think this was going to happen. I’m still 100 percent committed to South Carolina.”

LB P.J. Blue of Montgomery, Ala., announced a decommiment via Twitter

“After talking it over with my family I have decided to decommit from the University of South Carolina.”

WR Bryan Edwards of Conway, via Twitter

“As of now I am verbally committed to USC. South Carolina is my home and I have tons of love for it and the University of South Carolina, their program and fans. Obviously the timing of coach Spurrier’s retirement is a surprise and a sad thing to see. However, at the same time I have to do what’s best for me and my future as a student athlete. I will be contemplating my future in the next few weeks in light of recent events.”

WR commit Tre Jackson of Baton Rouge, La.

“Still committed to SC. Hate to see one of the greats leave.”

DB commit Chris Smith of Rock Hill

“I’m still 100 percent. A coach can’t play for me. I still have to compete.”

DB Marlon Character, via Twitter

“No comment.”

WR Kelvin Harmon, via Twitter

“I understand about coach Spurrier, all respect for him but I didn’t chose South Carolina for him, still content with my decision.”

OL commit Will Putnam, Harrisburg, N.C.

“Not the news I was expecting tonight.”

This story was originally published October 12, 2015 at 10:59 PM with the headline "Recruits react to Spurrier news: Brandon McIlwain declares himself ‘fully committed’."