Miami defender Keir Thomas commits to Gamecocks

Defensive end Keir Thomas of Miami made a Christmas commitment to South Carolina on Friday.

Thomas (6-foot-2, 250 pounds) made his decision between South Carolina, Tennessee and Arkansas. He told the Miami Herald he projects as a “Buck” defensive end/linebacker, a hybrid position in coach Will Muschamp’s defense.

Defensive coordinator Travaris "T-Rob" Robinson also played a key part in the recruitment.

"Coach Muschamp coaches hard. I want somebody who's going to stay on me and make sure they get the best out of me," Thoams told the Herald. "[Robinson] as well. I can also relate to Coach T-Rob a little bit more because he's from Miami."

He is a mid-year enrollee and won't have time to take an official visit to the Gamecocks. He has taken official visits to Tennessee, Arkansas and Auburn. He did attend USC’s cookout for recruits in July.

"I had a feel for South Carolina before that," Thomas told the Herald. "They always have a great defensive line."

Thomas, a one-time Florida State commitment, had 20 sacks this season, giving him 42 over the past two seasons.

He played with current Gamecock Rashad Fenton in Middle school.

His pledge gives the Gamecocks 18 commitments for the 2016 class.

This story was originally published December 25, 2015 at 8:16 PM with the headline "Miami defender Keir Thomas commits to Gamecocks."