Defensive end Sadarius Hutcherson commits to South Carolina

Defensive end Sadarius Hutcherson (6-foot-6, 250 pounds) of Huntingdon, Tennessee committed Tuesday afternoon to South Carolina, becoming the Gamecocks second commitment in less than five hours.

Earlier in the day wide receiver Bryan Edwards of Conway made his pledge. Hutcherson said he contacted new USC head coach Will Muschamp with his commitment. He picked the Gamecocks over Memphis, Illinois and Arizona State.

Hutcherson is not an early enrollee and said while it’s a solid commitment he does plan to take other official visits in January. He is scheduled for USC Jan. 16 and Memphis the following weekend.

Hutcherson talked on the phone with new USC coach Will Muschamp for the first time last Friday and was assured the offer made by the previous staff was still on the table. USC offensive line coach Shawn Elliott recruited Hutcherson for the old staff and has remained in touch with him.

Hutcherson is athletic enough to play tight end as well as defensive end and Muschamp told him he liked what he saw of him on film.

“He told me you don’t find many big, athletic guys where I live,” Hutcherson said. “They say South Carolina is rebuilding but I don’t believe that. I’m looking to have early playing time.”

This story was originally published December 15, 2015 at 4:52 PM.