Gamecocks target makes choice, closing in on announcement

Conway lineman Raiqwon O’Neal will announce his college decision Wednesday night a little bit after 6 p.m., on WPDE-TV 15 in Myrtle Beach. O’Neal said Sunday night he has his decision made.

In fact, he said he made up his mind earlier this month after he completed trips to South Carolina, Rutgers and Maryland. Georgia State and Illinois were two other schools he considered in the final part of his process. USC and Maryland like O’Neal for defensive end, the others for the offensive line.

Sunday night O’Neal shared some of the factors that went into his decision.

“The coaching staff, how they develop the players and have relationships, the environment inside and outside the campus, they have my major (graphic design) and the people there, too.”

O’Neal said the school he has decided on does know his decision. He also said he talked with USC coach Will Muschamp on Sunday night.

As for how he feels now that the decision is made, O’Neal said, “I’m excited. Overwhelming and a blessing, too.”

O’Neal said his decision will be final and he won’t be taking any official visits to other schools.

“Once I’m committed I’m committed,” he said. “No other officials except for the one I’m committed to.”

This story was originally published August 14, 2017 at 10:11 AM.