Alabama defender P.J. Blue commits to Gamecocks

P.J. Blue visited South Carolina for the first time on Saturday and left town a commitment for the Gamecocks’ 2016 class.

Blue, who is 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, of Montgomery, Ala., switched from linebacker to safety last season, and that’s where USC coaches like him. Grady Brown offered him on behalf of the Gamecocks, and linebackers coach Kirk Botkin is his official recruiter.

“They want me to play safety, which is my preferred position, so I feel like I could possibly come in and fill a big need for them,” Blue said. “Coach Botkin told me he thinks I’m a really good athlete and I could play linebacker or safety.”

Blue chose the Gamecocks over Alabama and Ole Miss. He also held offers from Clemson, Auburn, Louisville, Nebraska, Missouri and others. He had been favoring the Gamecocks since earlier this month as they separated themselves from Ole Miss.

He will play his senior season at Park Crossing High in Montgomery after transferring from Jemison High in Jemison, Ala. .

“I’m excited for him,” Park Crossing coach Walter Grider said. “He’s getting a lot of attention. He’s a smart kid, athletic, physical. He’s got every tool that you want as a football player.”

Blue is a four-star prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite rating that factors in all networks. He is USC’s 11th commitment for the class and third pledge of the weekend.