8/2/2017 baseball Edit

Gamecocks add highly-rated outfielder to 2018 class

Collyn Taylor • GamecockScoop

Beat Writer

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Another week, another pickup for Mark Kingston and his staff.

Outfielder Joel Brewer committed to South Carolina this week as the Gamecocks add their third commitment since Kingston took over as head coach.

Also see: Insider notes on Jonathan Gipson's commitment

"Right when I got to campus I loved it immediately; everything is great there. The people are really nice, too," Brewer said in a phone interview. "Secondly, I knew coach Kingston and Coach (Mike) Current from USF. So it was a good connection before I even got there, so once I got there with them it was a match made in heaven.”

Brewer committed to the coaching staff Sunday but didn't announce his decision publicly until Wednesday. He's rated the No. 36 outfielder, and 204th prospect overall, in the 2018 class by PerfectGame.com.

In 31 games this season, he hit .392 with 17 RBI, according to MaxPreps.com, for Jesuit High School (Tampa, Fla.).

Previously a Florida International commitment, he decommitted in July and took an official visit to South Carolina after reaching out to the coaching staff. Something that stood out to him was being able to meet the entire staff on a Sunday while touring the facilities.

“You can't really turn down USC once you go there," he said. "It’s overwhelming; it’s awesome.”

Also see: Five-star K.J. Henry breaks down South Carolina in his top five

Kingston's picked up three commitments in his over a month-long tenure as the Gamecocks' head coach: Brady Allen, Trey Tujetsch and now Brewer.

He's the 16th member of the 2018 class and third committed outfielder. The Gamecocks also picked up Allen, an outfielder who follows Kingston from South Florida to Columbia, earlier this month.

Kyle Horton is the other outfielder committed in the 2018 class.

Kingston said in his introductory press conference he likes players with power and speed, and Brewer fits that mold. He said he can hit leadoff for a team because of his ability to get on base.

After visiting campus in July, he's excited now to see a game day atmosphere in Columbia soon.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the crowd they bring to the table every game in person," Brewer said. "Apparently the whole entire city goes to every game, so that’s going to be pretty incredible to see in person.”