South Carolina loses defensive end commit

South Carolina on Monday lost its fourth commitment from the 2016 class since Steve Spurrier’s departure, and it came in the hours after Will Muschamp was announced as the new coach.

Defensive end Jordan Smith of Lithonia, Ga., said via Twitter that he has eliminated the Gamecocks from consideration and will make a final choice between Tennessee and Florida.

Smith (6-5, 220) is a four-star prospect, according to 247Sports’ Composite rating, and was the highest-rated defensive recruit in the Gamecocks’ class. He cited the loss of recruiter Lorenzo Ward as the biggest reason for his broken pledge, though USC has not officially announced any staff departures.

Others who have decommitted since the Spurrier news: Conway receiver Bryan Edwards; Atlanta defensive back Marlon Character; and Montgomery, Ala., safety/linebacker P.J. Blue.