Instate talent Chris Smith commits to Gamecocks

South Pointe High School has been a hot recruiting spot for South Carolina the last few years, and the Gamecocks landed another Stallion on Friday with a commitment from defensive back Chris Smith.

The Gamecocks offered Smith (5-10, 170) early in the process and remain his only offer from a Power 5 Conference program. His other offers include Old Dominion, Mercer, Furman, Coastal Carolina, SC State, Gardner-Webb, Miami of Ohio, Air Force, Eastern Michigan, James Madison and UNC Charlotte.

Smith attended USC’s pool party on Friday afternoon, and that’s when he made his pledge to Steve Spurrier and company.

“The biggest part was the academic part,” he said. “Also, how close it is to the family, and they are a great program. The football part is great. They’ve got a great tradition.”

Smith is a multi-position athlete who USC plans to play at cornerback but could be used on offense as well. Last season he had 71 tackles and 5 interceptions along with 600 all-purpose yards.

“Fitting in won’t be a problem,” Smith said. “It’s just getting the work done to step into the rotation. It’s a good thing (playing multiple positions) because you’re doing everything to help the team.”

Smith certainly heard Spurrier’s words earlier this week about his coaching future, which he said should last another five to six years. The newest Gamecocks was happy to know the coach plans to be around.

“It’s great because you have a head coach who has been there and he’s a role model to the players,” said Smith. “It’s a big deal. We won’t have to go through any rebuilding.”

Smith is a three-star prospect, according to 247Sports’ Composite rating that factors in all networks.

He’s the Gamecocks ninth commitment for 2016 and is working academically to graduate early.

This story was originally published July 24, 2015 at 5:10 PM.