[rl]

South Carolina received some much-needed positive news when the nation's top junior college defensive end prospect, Marquavius Lewis , inked with the Gamecocks during a ceremony at his former high school.

The 6-foot-4, 270-pound four-star prospect is originally from Greenwood High School but starred at Hutchinson C.C. in Hutchinson, Kan. the last two seasons.

"It was just everything," Lewis said when he committed. "I just felt at home. It felt right."

"For me to play in my home state is pretty big for (my family) and my family hasn't seen me play," Lewis added Wednesday. "It's pretty big."

Lewis, who committed to the Gamecocks following an official visit in July, was recruited by defensive line coach Deke Adams.

"It was pretty big and we built a bond," Lewis said of Adams. "We kind of went off that and I feel good about being coached by him."

Adams and the Gamecocks were able to withstand a late push from Auburn, where Lewis officially visited in November.

"I had built a bond with them as well as South Carolina," Lewis said. "Me and coach G were really close, and coach (Gus) Malzahn and everybody. They were respectful of my decision. They still wanted me, but I had to choose what was best for me."

Lewis, considered an elite pass-rushing prospect, is expected to compete for a starting spot for South Carolina immediately when he arrives on campus in January.

"For me to be a junior college guy (the opportunity to play early) plays a big part," Lewis said. "I can make an immediate impact."

Lewis garnered JUCO All-America honors this past season when he racked up 63 tackles, including 11.0 sacks and 20.5 tackles-for-loss.