Atlanta DB Marlon Character declares a leader

Defensive back Marlon Character of Atlanta was not able to make South Carolina’s camps last week but he planned to make an unofficial visit this Saturday. That’s not going to happen now because he has a seven-on-seven event to attend in Florida this weekend.

But the news for USC with Character is not all bad. In fact, it’s very good.

“There’s something about South Carolina lately that’s been catching my eye,” Character said. “And I’ve never forgotten the game I went to there when they played Georgia. I can see myself playing there. I’m closer to the Gamecocks right now and I did tell Coach Ward they are out front right now.”

Previously, Character had the Gamecocks and Virginia Tech tied at the top of his list. He said he will visit USC within the next two weeks, and a commitment is possible on that visit.

Character has been to Alabama, Georgia and Louisville for camps and is going to Auburn on Thursday for a visit. He also plans to take another visit to Virginia Tech before he makes his decision.

Notes

▪  OL Luke Elder of LaGrange, Ga., attended USC’s camp last Saturday and now has the Gamecocks and North Carolina tied at the top of his list. Georgia Tech would be third on his list. He visited North Carolina last week and was at USC the week before that. “I know both have opportunities and I’m going to be willing to work and do whatever it takes to get in that spot. I can tell both really want me. I can feel the love from both of them.”

▪  TE Naseir Upshur of Philadelphia, a USC target, will visit Michigan next week.

▪  DB Devron Davis of Merced College (Calif.) committed to Colorado State. He also has a USC offer and he said he will take more official visits, including one to USC.

▪  Basketball: 6-foot-6 De’riante Jenkins of Orlando made an unofficial visit to USC last Saturday. The Gamecocks have not yet offered. He does have offers from Clemson, Indiana, Wake Forest, East Carolina, South Florida, Houston and Virginia Tech.

This story was originally published June 18, 2015 at 8:35 AM with the headline "Atlanta DB Marlon Character declares a leader."