Brandon McIlwain, CJ Freeman sign with Gamecocks

South Carolina on Wednesday confirmed the mid-year signings of quarterback Brandon McIlwain and running back C.J. Freeman.

Freeman and McIlwain have officially signed financial aid agreements and will enroll in January. Both firmed up their commitments to the Gamecocks last week. They join junior college transfer cornerback Jamarcus King as mid-year signees.

Coach Will Muschamp last week told The State that USC expects to sign “between five and seven” early enrollees. Conway wide receiver Bryan Edwards also is planning to enroll in January.

McIlwain, from Newtown, Pa., intends to play football and baseball with the Gamecocks.

As a senior, McIlwain threw for 1,727 yards, 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions and ran for 1,528 yards and 30 scores. He was an Elite 11 quarterback and the Gatorade Player of the Year in Pennsylvania. He also was a Perfect Game All-American in baseball.

South Carolina will have three 4-star quarterback underclassmen and returning starter Perry Orth, if nothing changes before spring practice begins. McIlwain will compete with Connor Mitch, Lorenzo Nunez and Orth for the starting job.

Freeman rushed for 2,091 yards and 23 touchdowns for Northern Guilford this season, averaging more than seven yards per carry and nearly 150 yards per game. In four playoff games, he averaged 265 rushing yards and carried the ball 24 straight times on one drive in a game, capping the possession with a touchdown run.

This story was originally published December 22, 2015 at 1:49 PM.