Georgia defensive end Jordan Smith commits to Gamecocks

South Carolina’s streak of July recruiting success continues.

Defensive end Jordan Smith of Lithonia (Ga.) High committed to the Gamecocks on Wednesday. The 6-foot-6, 230-pounder is USC’s eighth pledge of the month and fifth in the past week.

Smith made his announcement in a ceremony in his school’s auditorium, selecting a USC visor from a table that also included hats from Clemson, Georgia and Florida.

“What separated South Carolina was, South Carolina felt like home,” Smith said. “When I go down there, I still feel like I am in Lithonia.”

Smith is considered a four-star prospect by 247Sports’ Composite rating, which factors in all networks. USC has 13 commitments for the upcoming class and is ranked No. 30 in the 247Sports Composite team rankings, up from No. 73 a month ago.

“He’s had an opportunity to spend a lot of time at South Carolina,” Lithonia coach Marcus Jelks said. “He’s so tall, long and rangy. He’s got real long arms. His first step off the ball is one of the best.”

Smith visited USC in June the weekend of the Gamecock Showcase and left town declaring Clemson his favorite. By the time he returned last week for the school’s first pool bash for recruits, the Gamecocks were the team to beat.

He likes USC’s plan to use him as an end in the team’s four-man defensive front and credits his speed and hands at being his greatest assets.

“I’m a rush end, but I can also stop the run. I’m an all-around player,” he said. “They said I could probably come in early and make an impact. I’ll fit in perfectly at defensive end on the right side. If I come and work hard like I should, I’ll play early.”

He becomes the third Lithonia defender to pick the Gamecocks in recent years, joining Cedrick Cooper (2011) and David Johnson (2013). Co-defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward has been the recruiter for all three.

Smith said the input he received from Cooper and Johnson played a big part in his decision.

“They were real with me,” he said. “They told me how the coaches are going to be about everything. I like honesty. It made it kind of easy for me.”

Jelks believes Smith has the most upside among the three Lithonia standouts.

“His better playing days are definitely in front of him,” Jelks said. “He’s awesome at this level. As far as the next level, he’s a raw talent. Once he learns a few things and gets in the weight room and starts eating properly, he’s going to be a force.”

This story was originally published July 29, 2015 at 2:05 PM.