Jaycee Horn commits! Gamecocks land big pledge ahead of signing day

Defensive back Jaycee Horn committed to South Carolina on Monday night, a big boost to the Gamecocks two days before the December signing day.

The one-time Tennessee pledge from Alpharetta, Ga., announced his decision for the Gamecocks via Twitter. He will sign with USC on Wednesday, the first day the early signing period.

“This has been a long process and I gained great relationships with a lot of coaches,” he said in making his announcement. “I feel most comfortable at this university and I feel like this is the best place for me.”

Horn (6-0, 185) is the Gamecocks’ 21st commitment for the 2018 class and the sixth for the secondary. (In-state receiver recruit Darius Rush could also end up in the USC secondary.)

Horn is a four-star prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite ranking that factors in all networks, and is the son of former NFL star Joe Horn.

In addition to the Vols, Horn also considered Ohio State, Alabama and Clemson.

Horn stressed relationships as being of great importance to him throughout the recruiting process. He echoed that in an interview with Rivals’ Chad Simmons in which Horn said he was most comfortable with USC defensive coordinator and secondary coach Travaris Robinson.

“It’s a great place, great coaches,” Horn told Simmons. “It’s a great place for me.”

Horn joins Chapin offensive lineman Hank Manos as future Gamecocks who will play in the Under Armour All-American Game.

According to his 247Sports evaluation: “Horn is a long, athletic cornerback with great range. He is comfortable in man or zone coverage. Horn has quick hips and anticipates well. He is very physical, extremely aggressive and has great ball skills. He needs to continue to get stronger and refine his technique, but he is one of the premier defensive backs in the country and poised to be a star at the collegiate level.”

This story was originally published December 18, 2017 at 10:01 PM with the headline "Jaycee Horn commits! Gamecocks land big pledge ahead of signing day."