Top South Carolina target has made his choice, but he’s not saying who just yet

Three-star Gaffney defensive tackle Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (6-foot-6, 300 pounds), ranked the No. 2 prospect in South Carolina for 2021 in the 247Sports Composite, has made his college decision. He has set 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon for the release of the information on social media, but backed off on that promise Tuesday afternoon.

He had informed the winning school of his decision.

Late Monday night Ingram-Dawkins posted that his final six schools were USC, North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida State, Penn State and Georgia. The one that he picked was the one where Ingram-Dawkins felt the highest comfort level.

“It’s a great place,” Ingram-Dawkins said. “That’s really all I can say. It’s a great place. It’s a great place and there’s great football played there. They were just fired up (when he gave them the news).”

Ingram-Dawkins took unofficial visits to USC, Virginia Tech, Tennessee and Georgia. The Gamecocks have made him a top priority and in late April Ingram-Dawkins noted how strong their recruiting of him had been.

“I talk to (Will) Muschamp every day, I talk to Coach T-Rob (Travaris Robinson) maybe every two days, and I talk to Coach (Tracy) Rocker every day,” Ingram-Dawkins said. “I already have a tight relationship with the coaching staff obviously. We talk about the impact I can have on the team, and it’s my home state, South Carolina.”

Last season Dawkins totaled 70 tackles with 17 tackles for loss and eight sacks.

Notes:

▪ Kernersville, North Carolina defensive end Jahvaree Ritzie has set June 12 for his commitment announcement. He’s down to South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Ohio State. Ritzie is rated a 4-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite and is ranked the No. 14 strongside defensive end in the country. Last season Ritzie had 74 tackles with 18 1/2 tackles for loss, six sacks and four passes broken up.

▪ The Gamecocks offered 2022 Niceville, Florida offensive lineman Austin Firestone (6-foot-5, 260 pounds). Tennessee, Tulane, Kansas, Coastal Carolina are among his offers. He’s rated a 3-star by 247Sports.

This story was originally published May 12, 2020 at 9:00 AM.