USC linebacker target Sherrod Greene among cookout attendees
One of the nation’s top linebackers, Sherrod Greene of Rocky Mount, N.C., attended The Opening in Oregon last weekend but could not participate due to a broken hand.
He really didn’t need to perform because his status as an elite linebacker prospect already is set after he totaled over 150 tackles last season.
USC linebackers coach Coleman Hutzler has been recruiting Greene and has gotten the Gamecocks into Greene’s small circle. Greene plans to visit USC July 23 for the cookout and social gathering of prospects.
“It’s a good school,” Greene said of USC. “I hear from them (Hutzler) a lot, every day. They said I can play inside or outside and they like how I can play sideline to sideline and use my speed.”
Greene (6-1, 225) was at USC in June for camp and worked out for the coaches then. He also checked out the football facilities and the campus.
“My favorite part was really the dorm room,” he said. “It was off campus and I fell in love with that. They have a great indoor facility. Coach Hutzler gave me some drills that I can work on. I learned a little bit when I was down there and enjoyed it.”
Greene also has been to Alabama, Georgia Tech and Georgia this summer along with the trip The Opening. He also plans to revisit his other top schools of Alabama, NC State and Virginia Tech. So, he has a top four of the Gamecocks, Crimson Tide, Hokies and Wolfpack with no leader.
Greene doesn’t plan to make a decision until January, and he plans to take his official visits in the fall. Last season Greene had 154 tackles with 4 forced fumbles and 4 recovered fumbles he took back for scores.
Tennessee linebacker to visit
Linebacker T.J. Minniffee of Lebanon, Tenn., plans to visit USC on Tuesday, and with a scholarship offer, he’s excited to see what they have to offer in person so he can move forward in the decision-making process.
“I can’t really say when, but it will be pretty soon,” said Minniffee of a decision. “I like South Carolina a lot. I was at Louisville (last week) and I like them a lot, and also I like Purdue. Really it’s between those three.”
Minniffee (6-3, 220) said the Gamecocks like him for the Buck position. He said there’s no favorite, but that could change quickly once he visits USC.
“There is a chance I will commit, but I really don’t know for sure,” he said.
News and notes
▪ Defensive back Zay Brown of Athens, Ga., will announce his commitment Saturday, and it’s expected to be USC. He was offered by the Gamecocks at a camp in June. He also has offers from Wake Forest, Colorado State, Middle Tennessee State and others.
▪ Linebacker Cain McWilliams of Lewisburg, Tenn., will announce his decision July 29. He has offers from USC, Middle Tennessee State, Jacksonville State, Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech and Tennessee Martin. USC offered him in June at a satellite camp near Nashville, and he visited later in the month.
▪ USC defensive back commitment Damari Mathis of Lakeland, Fla., was offered by Minnesota. He committed to the Gamecocks in June over Ole Miss, Pittsburgh, Central Florida and Cincinnati.
▪ According to his assistant coach, defensive end Mykelle McDaniel of Loganville, Ga., is now a full qualifier and several “big” schools are in touch. McDaniel made it known he wanted to go to USC, but his coach said he’s not heard back from the Gamecocks.