OrTre Smith commits: Muschamp, USC land state’s No. 1 recruit

South Carolina landed a commitment from the top player in the state and one of the best receivers in the country on Sunday when Wando’s OrTre Smith committed to the Gamecocks during a birthday party and commitment ceremony at the Charleston Rifle Club.

Smith chose South Carolina over Clemson, Georgia and North Carolina. He also held offers from Florida State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Tennessee and others.

Smith will enroll in January and is expected to compete for playing time as a freshman.

“Coach (Will) Muschamp said I’m a priority and they needed me and I can contribute as soon as I get there. I saw the situation and how I can see myself there and fitting,” Smith said. “It’s the best decision for me to get on the field as fast as I can.”

Smith added that his relationship with Muschamp and receivers coach Bryan McClendon played a big role in him choosing the Gamecocks.

Muschamp and McClendon made Smith a big priority shortly after arriving in Columbia.

“I’m really close with them two. They showed a lot of love and always kept up with me and texted me and everything. It stood out to me,” he said. “It all just came down to how hard they recruited me. It was a game-changer after that.”

The 6-foot-4, 212 pounder had 84 catches for 1,364 yards and 18 touchdowns last season.

Smith is ranked as the No. 85 overall player in the country according to Rivals and the No. 86 recruit according to 247Sports. He is the No. 1 prospect in the state of South Carolina for the 2017 class, according to 247Sports and the 247Sports Composite ranking that factors in all networks.

“I can go up and get the ball. I’ve got a big body. Just making plays when it comes my way,” he said of his strengths.

Smith is commitment No. 23 for South Carolina and the third receiver commit, joining Shi Smith and Shawn Smith.

The Gamecocks have now landed five straight four-star recruits in offensive lineman T.J. Moore, defensive end MJ Webb, safety Hamsah Nasirildeen and and cornerback Jamyest Williams in addition to Smith.

“(Muschamp is) trying to build it back up. They’re kind of a young team right now so they have to start from somewhere so 2017 is like the building blocks I think,” Smith said.

This story was originally published September 11, 2016 at 6:33 PM with the headline "OrTre Smith commits: Muschamp, USC land state’s No. 1 recruit."