Recruiting roundup: LB target T.J. Brunson now focused on out-of-state schools

Richland Northeast linebacker T.J. Brunson is not sure if he’ll make it to South Carolina for one of its summer camps.

He had wanted to commit to USC earlier this year, but the Gamecocks held him off because they want to see how he looks this season after having hip surgery. Now, Brunson has wiped the slate clean and is moving on realizing USC may not be in his future.

He has other offers from Louisville, NC State, North Carolina, East Carolina, Georgia Southern and Appalachian State. And Michigan and Kentucky are also showing interest and want to see him in camp before offering.

Brunson said he will go to Michigan, Auburn, Louisville and Kentucky for camps. He said he talks with USC linebackers coach Kirk Botkin about every day and Steve Spurrier Jr. about every two weeks and nothing has changed from USC’s position.

“I’m not excluding anyone, but I’m moving on,” Brunson said. “Louisville and Kentucky are my choices. I understand it was a business decision but I don’t want to stay instate at all now. I’m not burning any bridges with anyone. I still like the staff and what they have to offer, but I’m looking at other programs now.”

▪ Offensive lineman Jordan Johnson of Jacksonville originally had not planned to come to USC for a camp this week. But Thursday he said he plans to be on hand for the Friday morning workout.

He will leave USC and head to Florida State and will then go to Florida on Monday. He also is planning to camp at Georgia Tech. Johnson also visited USC for the spring game. He was offered by Virginia Tech earlier in the week. Johnson has nearly 20 offers and said he has no favorites, but he said USC is recruiting him the hardest. He communicates with Steve Spurrier Jr. practically every day and he also hears from line coach Shawn Elliott.

▪ LB Kenneth Ruff of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., will not attend USC’s Showcase Camp this Saturday, but that doesn't mean his feelings for the Gamecocks have changed.

“South Carolina right now is my leader,” Ruff said. “That will be my first official visit in September. They have a huge advantage. I’m pretty open as far as recruiting goes right now but they are definitely my leader. They stand out.”

While he won’t make it to USC this weekend, he does plan to get in for a visit soon. He’s at Florida State right now for a three-day camp with the Seminoles, who are also showing strong interest.

As for other official visits this fall, Ruff said he’s looking at NC State and possibly Alabama and Mississippi State. Ruff said Illinois is his newest offer. Some of his others include Clemson, North Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia Tech, Marshall and Temple.

▪ USC offered 2017 DL Dalyn Wade-Perry of Sparta, N.J., on Thursday.