2016 defender Mykelle McDaniel making plans to attend USC

One of the last of the unsolved recruiting sagas for the 2016 class is defensive end Mykelle McDaniel of Loganville, Ga.

There’s no questioning his ability. He totaled 100 tackles and 13 sacks last season at Grayson High. But his academic record has kept him from finalizing a destination for this coming fall. He hopes to do that soon, and he hopes to do it with South Carolina.

“I will be going to USC,” McDaniel said. “I’m just waiting on test scores. They get back on the 20th.”

McDaniel visited USC in March and it appeared a commitment was forthcoming, but he held off while his academic issues were sorted out. According to his assistant coach Kenyatta Watson, McDaniel has achieved a qualifying test score and the NCAA approved his classes. He is now waiting on results of his most recent graduation test.

After getting that rest result back, McDaniel will still have to clear USC admissions to join the Gamecocks.

McDaniel on Thursday said he talked with South Carolina head coach Will Muschamp on Monday.

“Muschamp is 100 percent holding a scholarship for me and can’t wait for me to get there,” McDaniel said.

Asked if Muschamp told him he’s a take if all the academic requirements are met, McDaniel replied: “Yes he did. I will be signing soon.”

Other schools to pop up on his list were Georgia, Mississippi State, Alabama, Maryland and Texas A&M. Along with USC, Georgia and Texas A&M have continued to monitor his progress.

McDaniel said as far back as last November that USC was No. 1 with him.

“I have always loved the Gamecocks and I really think that’s the place for me,” he said then.

This story was originally published July 7, 2016 at 10:02 AM with the headline "2016 defender Mykelle McDaniel making plans to attend USC."