Rice graduate transfer safety J.T. Ibe announced his intentions Saturday night to play his final season of eligibility at South Carolina.

"I love the environment of the coaches and players," Ibe told GamecockCentral.com. "I want to play the biggest football and compete to win an SEC championship."

The 6-foot, 200-pound prospect chose the Gamecocks over offers from Georgia Tech, Iowa State and Indiana.

ALSO SEE: Inside the Commitment - What are Gamecocks getting in graduate transfer J.T. Ibe?

Ibe, who graduated from Mansfield High in Mansfield, Texas, is looking forward to developing under defensive back gurus Will Muschamp and Travaris Robinson.

"They have a great resume and I know the language and how they coach," Ibe said. "It’s on me. I’m going to come in and compete to be a starter. The best player plays."

A veteran in the Rice secondary, Ibe has played in 33 career games and finished fifth on the team in tackles with 42 tackles and a forced fumble in 11 games played this past season.

Ibe will be eligible to play immediately as a fifth-year senior for the Gamecocks this season where he will compete for playing time at safety.

Ibe plans to arrive in Columbia for the Maymester session.

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