Gamecocks DE target Josiah Coatney sets decision date

Class of 2016 defensive end Josiah Coatney is moving toward a decision, with South Carolina a major factor.

Coatney, from Holmes Community College in Mississippi, was offered by USC last week and will take an official visit March 19. He’s also planning to visit Alabama, Ole Miss and Florida after spring break. He plans to announce a commitment April 26.

Coatney said he has a lot of family in South Carolina and that's one of the reasons USC is appealing to him. He's also impressed with Will Muschamp and the defensive staff.

"Coach Muschamp is a great coach and I like him," he said. "I like the situation they have set up for me to come in. They can move me inside and out and I can play different positions on the line. I have a good first step, good explosion. I have a high motor and don't take off plays. I run sideline to sideline, which they need and they're telling me they need someone to make an impact and I'm that guy. They really didn't have the best D-line last year and so they're hoping to bring me in to help them."

Last season Coatney totaled 46 tackles with 8 1/2 tackles for loss and three sacks. Coatney said he doesn't have favorites right now and wants to take his visits before deciding. He has three years to play at the next level.

This story was originally published February 29, 2016 at 3:55 PM.