Local linebacker has out-of-state favorite

Linebacker T.J. Brunson of Richland Northeast High continues his positive recovery from hip surgery four months ago.

In the last two weeks he’s been cleared for full-speed sprinting and cutting. He returns to his doctor Tuesday to find out when he’ll be cleared for full contact. Brunson said he expects to be able to play by the start of the season in late August.

Also next week, Brunson is going back on the recruiting trail with stops at Louisville, Kentucky and possibly Appalachian State. Louisville is his current favorite ahead of Georgia Southern.

“Coach Petrino is a winner besides the public baggage,” Brunson said. “He wins wherever he goes. Coach Tony Grantham, my position coach, is pretty coach. And coach Todd Grantham knows what he’s doing.”

Earlier this year Brunson wanted to commit to South Carolina, but the Gamecocks held him off because they want to see how well he’s recovered from his surgery. He remains in regular contact with USC linebackers coach Kirk Botkin and has been invited to the pool party on July 24, which he said he might attend.

“He (Botkin) has just been asking about how my rehab is going,” Brunson said. “Nothing has really changed from their standpoint. They just want to make sure the surgery well well and I won’t be messed up during the season.”

Also next week, Brunson will try to devise a decision timeline. Based on what he learns on his visits, he’ll decide if he wants to make a commitment before or during the season.