Blue chip Gamecocks defensive target has mind made, set to announce choice Thursday

Georgia Military College cornerback D.J. Daniel will announce his college commitment Thursday at 2 p.m. in the school gym with his family, coaches and teammates. Daniel has been considering South Carolina, Georgia and Kentucky and he said Tuesday night he has made up his mind.

“I feel like I have. I haven’t told any schools,” Daniel said.

As for what he based his decision on, Daniel said, “Me feeling the defense scheme-wise. Just me visiting those schools, me feeling the comfort of how my family felt comfortable, and the communications I had with the coaching staff.”

Recruiters from all three schools were in touch with him Tuesday. Gamecocks defensive coordinator and secondary coach Travaris Robinson has been heading up the Gamecocks’ recruiting efforts.

“We talk every day. I feel comfortable. He knows how I rock and I know how he rocks,” Daniel said. “He asked me have I come to a conclusion and I told him I felt like I had. So, we’ll just see Thursday. There was no pressure. We just talked like we normally talk, like how camp is going and if I’m ready for Thursday. That’s really about it.”

Daniel is from Griffin, Ga. He was not heavily recruited coming out of high school so he had to prove himself last season and in camps this summer to draw those major offers.

“It’s been a truly blessed journey, to do what I’ve been through,” he said. “I feel good. Now, I feel like focusing on this season, focusing on the classroom. I’ll be out in December.”

Last season Daniel had 26 tackles and three interceptions. He also broke up five passes and blocked three kicks.

This story was originally published August 15, 2018 at 3:00 PM.