Academics, Muschamp impress Mississippi JUCO lineman on visit

Northwest Mississippi Community College offensive lineman Damien Lewis (6-foot-3, 320 pounds) remains in near daily contact with South Carolina offensive line coach Eric Wolford, and the Gamecocks sit in strong position with him.

He took an official visit to USC in June and has some other official visits coming up. He also plans to return to Columbia at some point.

“I talked with Coach Wolford yesterday, just talking and building a relationship,” said Lewis who is being recruited for guard. “He’s trying to get me up there and said I can come in and battle for a spot at guard. He said I’m physical and aggressive on the field.”

Lewis, who is from Canton, Miss, will take an official visit to Kentucky July 21. He’s also planning to visit Colorado and he’s going to Ole Miss for an official visit for the first home game.

“Everybody’s recruiting me hard,” Lewis said. “I’m looking for a good environment, education, getting on the field early and what feels like home.”

Lewis isn’t claiming a favorite but he put USC’s chances for landing him at 80 percent.

“They are up there,” he said.

Lewis will have three years to play two and is on track to graduate in December.

Notes:

▪  Spring Valley linebacker Channing Tindall tells 247Sports he will visit Georgia this weekend, and he will visit visit Florida and Florida next the end of next week.

▪  According to John Whittle of TheBigSpur, Summerville right-handed pitcher Daniel Lloyd recommitted to the Gamecocks and outfielder Dillon Lifrieri decommitted.

▪  Lakeland, Fla., left-handed pitcher Brady Allen committed to USC. He’s a former South Florida commitment.

▪  Gamecocks baseball commitment catcher Charlie Welch decommitted from the 2018 class.

▪  South Carolina offered 2019 6-foot-6 Porter-Gaud guard Josiah James.

This story was originally published July 12, 2017 at 10:18 AM.