Gamecocks flip receiver Kiel Pollard from Arkansas

Wide receiver Kiel Pollard has changed his commitment from Arkansas to South Carolina.

Muschamp’s long-standing relationship with Pollard of Moultrie, Ga., and the persistent efforts of assistant coaches Bobby Bentley and Byron McClendon resulted in the big recruiting victory for Muschamp’s new program Sunday.

Pollard (6-2, 228) was one of the top offensive players in Georgia last season. He was named the 6A Offensive Player of the Year after, helping lead Colquitt County High to the state championship with 76 catches for 1,163 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Muschamp and Bentley had hardly settled into their new jobs when they set their sights on Pollard, who had already been committed to Arkansas for several months. McClendon, who had recruited Pollard while at Georgia, joined the effort in January.

“Having a great relationship with Coach McClendon and Coach Bentley, they just felt like family,” Pollard said. “I just went with my gut, and my gut was saying South Carolina the whole time. I started feeling it after my official visit. And I’ve known Coach Muschamp for a good many years. When he was at Florida, he came down to watch me practice, and he wanted me at Auburn. He can tell real talent when he sees it.”

Pollard knows the slate is clean at USC with a new coaching staff and that jobs will be open. He’s looking forward to the opportunity and expects to contribute early.

“I’m looking at playing the inside or outside receiver and just coming in and working hard and making plays,” he said. “I’m not really sure what to expect, but don’t be surprised to see us in the SEC Championship.”

Pollard currently gives the Gamecocks 23 newcomers in the class for the fall of 2016, though it’s expected that offensive lineman Lloyd Cushenberry will come off the list after not making his official visit to USC over the weekend.

This story was originally published January 31, 2016 at 6:03 PM.