Five things to know about Brandon McIlwain

Quarterback Brandon McIlwain of Council Rock North High in Newtown, Pa., committed to the Gamecocks on New Year’s Eve, just before 2015 began. Shortly after 2016 starts, he will be on campus at South Carolina to begin life as a college student-athlete.

The longtime USC pledge announced Thursday he will forgo a chance at the Major League Baseball draft and play baseball and football for the Gamecocks.

Here are five things to know about USC’s Class of 2016 signal-caller (and baseball outfielder).

The stars

McIlwain is a four-star football prospect, according to 247Sports’ Composite rating that factors in all networks. 247Sports considers him the No. 2 dual-threat quarterback in the country and No. 153 prospect overall. Rivals assigned him a 5.8 player rating (scale ranges from 4.9 to 6.1). Also earning a 5.8 were USC QBs Connor Mitch (2013), Lorenzo Nunez (2015) and Chris Smelley (2006). (Stephen Garcia was a 5.9 in 2007.)

The commitment

McIlwain through all of 2015 declared himself locked in for USC, even after Steve Spurrier announced his resignation. He took a late unofficial visit to Penn State, but his commitment to USC never wavered. He is the face of the 2016 recruiting class and continues to help recruit others to join him in Columbia.

The connections

McIlwain’s connection to the Palmetto State extends beyond his commitment to the Gamecocks. His grandmother lives in Irmo, and he has family throughout South Carolina and the Southeast. His father, Roddy, was born in Columbia and is a USC graduate.

The accolades

McIlwain was named an Elite 11 quarterback after his summertime performance at The Opening national event. He also was awarded Gatorade Player of the Year honors in Pennsylvania. In baseball, he was a Perfect Game All-American.

The mental makeup

He is a 4.0 student with plans to be a political science major at USC, on the road to getting a joint business and law degree afterward. Elite 11 coach Trent Dilfer said this to 247Sports of McIlwain: “If Brandon McIlwain isn’t a major league baseball pitcher, second baseman or NFL quarterback, he’s probably gonna be more successful being a senator or the president of the United States or a CEO. He’s that kind of kid.”