South Florida defensive end counts Gamecocks among favorites

Defensive end Deandre Johnson of Miami attended South Carolina’s spring game with his grandmother and has the Gamecocks as one of his favorites.

Johnson (6-3, 235) in regular contact with recruiters Travaris Robinson and Lance Thompson.

“They think I can get there and play early,” Johnson said. “They said they need pass rushers and I can be the guy to bring the juice off the edge. I love their scheme, it fits me. I like how they run a four front and they use their pass rushers a lot. Coach Muschamp said he would coach me standing up (at defensive end) and with my hand in the dirt.”

Johnson said he’s built a strong relationship with the Gamecocks coaches and feels very comfortable conversing with them.

“Every time I talk to them I feel like I already knew them,” he said. “It’s a great school, a great place to be. It felt like home. There were a lot of fans for just a spring game so I can picture it for the regular season.”

Along with USC, Johnson said his other favorites at this point are Auburn, Maryland and NC State. Clemson has been working him hard of late and would make a big move with him with an offer.

“I think Clemson is going to offer soon,” he said. “They’ve been bending my ear. When they come down, I think they are going to offer. That would mean a lot. Their scheme fits me as well and they are a great program.”

Johnson also has visited Florida and Miami and he plans to see Auburn and Clemson. And he wants to take his parents to see USC this summer. No coaches have been in to see him yet, but he’s expecting Auburn to come in Monday.

Johnson said he’s on track to graduate early and wants to make his decision soon after the conclusion of his season. In nine games last season he had 53 tackles and eight sacks.

This story was originally published April 24, 2016 at 10:57 PM with the headline "South Florida defensive end counts Gamecocks among favorites."