Freeman commits

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Minutes after picking up in-state wide receiver Bryan Edwards, USC's offensive recruiting class was bolstered further by the addition of three-star running back C.J. Freeman.

The 5-foot-11, 195-pounder also had offers from Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia, and others.

Freeman's visit to USC for junior day wrapped on Saturday and culminated with his pledge to the Gamecocks.

"I really felt confident with the decision. These past two weeks, South Carolina has been the hardest recruiting me. I've been talking with Coach Sands on the phone, he would tell me to call him. I can definitely see this team as a top contender. I feel a good chance of building this team up," Freeman said.

Running backs coach Everette Sands was heavily involved in Freeman's recruiting process. After making a big push leading up to Freeman's pledge today, Sands was happy to hear the news.

"Coach Sands, he's so happy. He told me I was the top running back target that he wanted. I'm ready to make plays. I'm excited to be part of this offense."

The North Carolina product, who plans on graduating in December and enrolling in college in January, described how USC plans on utilizing his talents.

"I think of myself as the ideal all-purpose back," he said. "He (Sands) told me they could use me as wildcat, put me at receiver, put me at the return game. They're just excited about me because I'm a new playmaker in the offense. They think I can move around and do almost anything they want me to do. I can block, too. I'll take a linebacker head on."

Although Freeman is now part of USC's 2016 commitment list, the Gamecock staff will have to continue to hold off others. Recognizing that the recruiting process only comes around once, Freeman plans on continuing to visit and listen to other programs.

"I'm still going to be taking my other visits, knowing that I still have a long way. I'll be making my official visits and reevaluating the other schools. I'll make my final decision in December; right now it's just a verbal commitment. South Carolina's number one right now. Anything could happen, that's still six or seven months," he explained.

Which other schools remain in the mix?

"I want to visit Auburn again, Washington State, West Virginia, Tennessee, lots of SEC schools. Whichever schools contact me and tell me they want me to visit. Virginia Tech, it's right there at number two. It was basically coming down to South Carolina or Virginia Tech. I know I'll still be going back there more than once. They're one pushing right now. I'm going to take my visits, enjoy my recruitment."

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