Marlon Character renews interest in Gamecocks
One-time South Carolina commitment defensive back Marlon Character of Atlanta is one again seriously considering the program with the arrivals of Will Muschamp and Travaris Robinson from Auburn.
Character knows both well because after decommitting from USC in November, he committed to Auburn. That pledge remains for now, but Character is going to give Muschamp and Robinson a good opportunity to bring him back to the Gamecocks.
"I talked to T-Rob the day before yesterday about my official there," Character said Wednesday night.
He is scheduled to visit USC officially Jan. 30 after visits to Auburn and Virginia Tech. He is down to those three schools.
"I have a relationship with both coaches from Auburn and I heard B-Mac (Bryan McClendon) is coming in and I have a great relationship with him,” Character said. “I'll get down on an official and see how things come together, see how they fit and if I fit into it as well. I really just want to see how they are the same as how they were with Auburn. That's all I need to see. I'm making sure everything is in place, no missing pieces."
While he's still committed to Auburn, Character is "wondering about their new defensive coordinator and exploring my options. Auburn still leads."
Character said he will wait until signing day before announcing a final decision, and the fact his two former Auburn recruiters now reside at USC appears to be a bonus for the Gamecocks.
"Working out with T-Rob, he's a great coach, got a lot of energy," he said. "I have a great relationship with both of them. I can say I have a stronger relationship with them than any of the others. I talk to T-Rob pretty much every day."
This season Character estimated he had around 50 tackles and six interceptions.
Notes
On Wednesday, Muschamp reaffirmed offers to a pair of 2017 running backs offered by the previous staff, D'Andre Swift of Philadelphia, Pa., and Anthony McFarland Jr. of Hyattsville, Md.
Wide receiver Rick Wells of Jacksonville, Fla., who was heavily recruited by USC's former staff, said he has not heard from the Gamecocks' new staff. He remains committed to Florida but has set an official visit to Virginia Tech for Jan. 23. He will visit Florida the following weekend.
Defensive end Tyreik Martin of Valley, Ala., who recently was offered by USC, announced a decommitment from Missouri Tuesday night. He said while Missouri remains No. 1 on his list, he does plan to take other official visits.