Louisiana lineman Lloyd Cushenberry commits to Gamecocks

South Carolina landed a commitment Thursday night from offensive lineman Lloyd Cushenberry of Geismar, La.

Cushenberry (6-3, 310) thought he would wait on making a college decision until after taking some official visits. He decided Thursday night he had waited long enough and called USC recruiter Joe Robinson with his pledge. He also talked with offensive line coach Shawn Elliott.

Cushenberry is the third offensive linemen to commit to the Gamecocks’ 2016 class and the 14th overall pledge.

“I wanted to get it out of the way before the season starts and we felt like it was a great place for me to get my education and a great football program,” Cushenberry said. “They told me to get up there and they are going to coach me hard and work me hard every day. They feel like I can be a great player.”

Cushenberry got his first look at USC at the Gamecock Showcase camp in late June and liked what he saw. And after thinking about it for a few weeks, he likes things even more now.

“The coaching staff is great, the campus is beautiful and everything was just amazing,” he said. “Hopefully I can come and whatever their plans are for me, I’m willing to do whatever they need me to do.”

Cushenberry can play tackle and guard but expects to be a guard with the Gamecocks.

“I’m athletic and and willing to learn and do everything I can to help out,” he said. “And I’m going to get after it.”

Cushenberry also had offers from Colorado State, Purdue, Louisiana Tech, Arkansas State, Tulane, Louisiana Lafayette and Louisiana Monroe. TCU also showed interest.

This story was originally published August 6, 2015 at 9:45 PM.