Goose Creek’s Javon Kinlaw commits to South Carolina

Defensive end Javon Kinlaw (6-foot-7, 265 pounds) of Goose Creek has been considered one of the best looking prospects, physically speaking, in the state for the past two seasons.

To see him in person is to be wowed by his stature. His performance on the field also was eye catching, enough to earn a spot on this year’s Shrine Bowl team and the U.S. Army All-American Game. In the classroom, Kinlaw has admittedly lagged behind and that’s why a lot of major programs passed on him.

But new South Carolina coach Will Muschamp is trying to put his fingerprints on the state, and Tuesday he offered Kinlaw and accepted a commitment from him knowing there could be a junior college stop for him before he play for the Gamecocks.

“He was telling me he has a plan for me if I had to go the JUCO route and stuff like that,” Kinlaw said. “To me, that means a lot because no other coach was calling me and telling me they had a plan for me. Everybody was just wanting you to play here but nobody was really understanding my situation. But he did. The first conversation we ever had, he understood. I just saw it as him looking out for me. They’ve been in my corner. That was my first offer.”

Kinlaw said he and Muschamp talked for the first time three days ago. They did not discuss a position for him. He can also play offensive tackle but prefers defensive end. He said his focus now will be to get those grades up so he can avoid the junior college route.

“Now I’ve got to focus on grinding out the last semester and do as much as I can to get my grades as high as I can,” Kinlaw said. “I believe it’s doable. I’ve got a good chance. I’ve got to get the grades up mainly.”

Kinlaw said he and Muschamp talked about an official visit in late January. At one time Kinlaw also counted offers from Clemson, Florida, Alabama, Louisville, Florida State and Auburn. He believes he will bring a solid product to USC once he gets there.

“A good work ethic, a big body, of course, a great smile and a good attitude,” Kinlaw said.

Kinlaw gives the Gamecocks 18 commitments for the 2016 class though it’s possible one or more could drop off in January for various reasons.

This story was originally published December 23, 2015 at 5:09 PM.