‘A good fit’: Georgia tailback becomes Gamecocks’ first commitment for 2021

South Carolina is officially on the board with its 2021 recruiting class with a commitment Sunday afternoon by running back Lovasea Carroll of Warrenton, Georgia.

Carroll (6-1, 189) also plays in the slot and safety, but he said the Gamecocks like him as a running back. He visited Saturday and from that determined USC was the best place for him.

He contacted running backs coach Thomas Brown and gave his commitment and a few minutes later head coach Will Muschamp acknowledged the commitment with a “Spurs Up” tweet.

“The comfort,” Carroll said about why he chose the Gamecocks. “Hanging around with the coaches all day, being able to interact with them and see their fun side, and then talking with some of the players and get their experience on college life. They want me at running back. They were telling me how they will need me because they are going to be short on running backs because most of their running backs are seniors, so I’ll be a good fit for them.”

Carroll rushed for more than 1,400 yards last season, ran for nine touchdowns and caught four more.

His other offers include Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi State, Stanford, Army and Cincinnati. In particular, he said Georgia and Mississippi State have been recruiting him with intensity. And despite his commitment to USC, Carroll said he does plan to continue with visits.

“I’m 100 percent but my recruiting is still open, but I’m 100 percent with South Carolina,” Carroll said. He plans a return visit to USC this summer.