Kaiwan Lewis, a University of South Carolina linebacker transfer and New New Jersey native, has committed to Rutgers following an official visit to campus this past weekend.

"It was the right fit after going over everything from the weekend and things like that," said Lewis, a 6-1, 230-pound soon-to-be senior. "It just felt like it was the best decision for me where I could excel and become a better player and with the opportunities outside of football things like that and a good media market."

Lewis will compete for the opportunity to be in the man in the middle in Rutgers' 4-3 defense.

"I'll be playing Mike linebacker," said Lewis. "I'm gonna go in there and do my best to get the starting spot."

The main thing that stood out to Lewis was the proactive approach of the Rutgers staff in formulating an academic and athletic plan.

"I like the plan that they have for me and how they plan to try to help me the best they can before I even get on campus, so that way I can be ahead of the game and ready to go," he said.

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Lewis believes his ability to get to what he sees is what separates him from other collegiate linebackers.

"It's my eyes. I see things and I react very well," he said. "My eyes are definitely a great asset that gets me to the ball."

Lewis held upwards of 20 offers from schools, including Florida State, Florida, Auburn and Arkansas, when he left New Jersey to play for Steve Spurrier at USC in 2012.

He is set to graduate from South Carolina in May and will transfer out for his final year of eligibility.

Lewis played for the Gamecocks as a true freshman and started throughout his sophomore year before succumbing to a knee injury which required surgery. Upon his return his junior year, Lewis played sparingly, and now it appears will move on to life's next challenge on the banks.

"Let's go get this Big Ten championship," he said.

Todderick Hunt may be reached at thunt@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TodderickHunt. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.