Linebacker T.J. Brunson favors South Carolina after official visit

Linebacker T.J. Brunson of Richland Northeast made his official visit to USC over the weekend and is now publicly favoring the Gamecocks.

“It was really cool, I had a great time,” Brunson said. “The players made me feel at home. It wasn’t weird or anything, they just make you feel at home. I can be myself around them.”

Brunson earlier Sunday said he wasn’t sure when he might announce a decision. On Sunday night, via Twitter, he said an announcement was coming Monday “in regards to recruiting.”

Brunson was a one-time Louisville commitment but is no longer considering the Cardinals.

He was named the Defensive MVP for the South Carolina squad in last month’s Shrine Bowl after a game-high 13 tackles, one sack and 1.5 for loss.

Brunson had a team-leading 138 tackles in helping RNE to its first playoff appearance since 2011 and first playoff victory since moving down to Class 3A. He also was the team’s punter and averaged nearly 40 yards a kick.

This story was originally published January 17, 2016 at 1:34 PM.