Lithonia (Ga.) four-star defensive end Jordan Smith committed to South Carolina moments ago at a press conference held at his high school. The 6-foo-6, 220 pounder chose the Gamecocks over offers from Clemson, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida State, LSU, Ohio State and several others. In all he had over 20 offers to his credit.

Smith chose the Gamecocks for multiple reasons.

“First, coach (Jon) Hoke and the new defensive scheme he is putting in,” Smith said. “Also, I just love South Carolina. I love the facilities, the place, Columbia, everything.”

Once Smith started evaluating all the schools closely, he knew South Carolina would be his destination.

“Once I started looking at academics, scheme, everything, then I knew South Carolina was the choice.”

Smith hopes to make an early impact in Columbia.

“If I keep working hard I can see myself getting a lot of reps and making a big impact. Then eventually become a starter and help my team win a national championship.”

Two of his former teammates are already on the South Carolina roster and Smith hopes more will follow.

“Cedrick Cooper and David Johnson are there. We have a 2017 player named Jahlil Weeks that I hope can join us, too. He’s about 6-foot-3, 210 pounds. He’s an inside linebacker. We have some other guys coming up too.”

Smith ranks as the nation’s No. 24 weak side defensive end and the No. 25 player in the state of Georgia’s class of 2016 according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings. Lorenzo Ward is Smith’s recruiter of record for the Gamecocks.

South Carolina Commitment List