Sandidge setting official visits; USC no lock to get one

South Carolina defensive line target Rick Sandidge of Concord, N.C., on Monday night revealed four of his official visits and one certain date.

Sandidge has seven schools on his short list, so not all will get official visits, but he said that won’t affect his thinking about those schools.

One of his official visits will be to Michigan for the Ohio State game in late November. That’s his only official with a date right now. He said three other official visits he plans to schedule are with Florida, Penn State and Louisville. He’s undecided about his fifth visit with USC, Virginia Tech and Georgia left on his list.

“I don’t know about taking an official to South Carolina because it’s right there,” Sandidge said. “That really won’t affect my decision. Just because I don’t choose South Carolina for an official, that doesn’t affect their chances at all. I live less than two hours away.”

Sandidge said he’s in daily contact with the Gamecocks and they have invited him as their guest for the N.C. State game in Charlotte, and he’s considering going to that.

All of his final seven schools remain in the mix and no one stands out, he said. He’s been to USC several times already and feels a connection to the school and the staff.

“We really have a good relationship, it’s a real good connection with South Carolina,” Sandidge said, adding Will Muschamp is planning to scout him Sept. 22.

Sandidge does not have a timetable on making his decision.

▪  Note: Spring Valley LB Channing Tindall told 247Sports he is down to USC, Georgia, Florida and Florida State with no favorite. He plans to announce in two to three weeks.

This story was originally published August 29, 2017 at 9:20 AM with the headline "Sandidge setting official visits; USC no lock to get one."