Commitment coming

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South Carolina made a major move with Columbia (S.C.) Richland Northeast three-star linebacker T.J. Brunson when he visited for its junior day, and the Gamecocks have only lengthened their lead on his most recent visit.

The 6-foot, 220-pound Brunson, ranked the No. 13 class of 2016 prospect in the state, visited Carolina Tuesday for the Gamecocks' first practice of the spring.

"I went there and spoke with all the coaches. It was just to get out there and see how practice is conducted and see what things the whole team does. I stayed around the linebackers mostly. I spoke with coach (Jon) Hoke, coach (Lorenzo) Ward, coach (Kirk) Botkin, coach (Steve) Spurrier Jr. and coach (Steve) Spurrier. It was really nice."

Brunson noticed there was underlying theme to Hoke's first practice as the Gamecocks' co-defensive coordinator.

"Just get to the ball regardless of if its an incomplete pass or whatever," Brunson said. "Just chase the ball wherever. That was a key part of the practice."

With the addition of Hoke, South Carolina has shifted some of its recruiting responsibilities. Brunson says that Botkin will handle the role of primary recruiter with him.

"I like Coach Botkin. He's enthusiastic about everything," Brunson said. "The whole practice he's yelling -- he's coaching but he's very loud with everything -- it was just great, I enjoyed how he coaches. The players seems to interact with him well."

Brunson was also able to check out South Carolina's new practice facility and get a look at the ongoing construction of the Gamecocks' new in-door practice facility.

"It was really nice," Brunson said. "They're getting the facilities they need to beat Georgia and Auburn and any school like that. They definitely have the space and the area to practice whenever and in any conditions, soon when the in-door gets done."

Brunson, who also has offers from Louisville, N.C. State and Georgia Southern, had originally thought about waiting it out, but says the timeline of his recruitment may be moving up.

"I'm getting close to picking a school now," Brunson said. "Carolina, they're definitely my No. 1. I'm talking things over with my family right now. I'm sort of getting close to a school though. (A commitment) could be this week or it could be, definitely before the summer, but it could be as early as this week."