Defensive end prospect on commitment watch for Gamecocks

About 100 prospects were on hand for the South Carolina-Florida game, and more will be in for the the final two games against The Citadel and Clemson.

One of those planning to be in this Saturday is defensive end Sadarius Hutcherson of Huntingdon, Tenn., and a commitment to the Gamecocks is heavy on his mind.

“They are are the top of my list,” Hutcherson said. “I’m kind of committed to South Carolina. Just say I’m close to committing. They want me to visit first. I know it’s going to be nice. I heard Columbia is a nice city.”

This will be Hutcherson’s first close-up look at the Gamecocks and the school, and he believes USC will meet the criteria he has in mind for his school.

“I’m looking to play in the best conference in the nation,” he said. “I want to learn what position I will be playing, defensive end or tight end. They say South Carolina is rebuilding. I don’t believe that. They’ve been playing in some tough games and they’ve had a chance to win every one of them. I’m looking to have some early playing time.”

Hutcherson said he’s been in touch with USC interim head coach Shawn Elliott and believes he wants him to join the Gamecocks.

“He has told me they would take my commitment,” Hutcherson said. “I hope he ends up as the head coach at the end of the day. Right now I believe he’s put them on the right track. My plan is to commit this month. If I’m really excited during the visit I could commit, or it could come later in the month so I can make sure I’m straight with my family.”

Hutcherson said he’s also looking at Tennessee, Arizona State, Memphis, Louisville, Massachusetts and Illinois. He’s also thinking about visits to Tennessee and Memphis soon. USC is the clear leader, he said.

This season he has 45 tackles and six sacks.

This story was originally published November 16, 2015 at 12:23 PM.