Final decision soon
Brooksville (Fla.) Nature Coast three-star offensive tackle Christian Pellage has been committed to South Carolina since August, but the 6-foot-6.5, 300-pounder has kept his recruitment open enough so that he still has other options available.
After taking an official visit to Florida last weekend, Pellage took an official visit to South Carolina this weekend, where he was hosted by offensive tackle Mason Zandi.
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"The highlight was everything," Pellage said of the trip. "Getting to see the coaches again and getting around the players again -- it just feels like a family here and I love it here."
Pellage, who was recruited by running backs coach Everette Sands and offensive line coach Shawn Elliott has been to the school many times before, but this time surpassed his other trips.
"This was by far the best visit," Pellage said. "Official visits are more personal so you get a better feel about the atmosphere and how much of a family it is. (Zack Bailey) and I hung out a lot. So did Blake Camper, Trey (Derouen) and also Cory Helms. We got to know each other a lot better."
What was Elliott's message to Pellage?
"We are low on tackles," Pellage said of Elliott's recruiting pitch. "He has a great feeling about me. He really thinks I could get a good amount of playing time in if I work hard enough and learn the system."
"That's actually a big plus for me," Pellage added. "It's a minus for (South Carolina), but it gives me an advantage to prove myself and prove what I do my best. It's my plan (to play next year). If it doesn't work out as well as I want to, that's fine. I just have to keep pushing myself to my ability."
Pellage had originally considered taking another visit, to Mississippi State, but says that's now off the table. He'll sign with the Gamecocks or Florida.
"When I get back, I'm going to reevaluate the last two trips here and Florida," Pellage said. "I'll see what's the best thing for me to choose and see if I'm doing the right thing."
He plans to have a final decision some time this week.
"We're going to talk about it like a family and go over the different trips and see what feels right," Pellage said.
Interview by GamecockCentral.com's Josh Low.
