Gamecocks commit R.J. Roderick: 'Probably the best weekend I've ever had'

Summerville (S.C.) Cane Bay three-star safety R.J. Roderick has seen about everything the South Carolina program has to offer, so his official visit to the school this weekend was much more about looking ahead to his future in Columbia.

"Just the family feel [stood out]," Roderick said. "Just cooling with my future brothers, just the commits and players that are already on the team, just getting around them and feeling like home. They were taking me places and showing me things. It was just fun, probably the best weekend I've ever had."

ALSO SEE: Get the latest scoop on South Carolina's official visitors including the word on four-star CB Jaycee Horn | Visit recap: Gamecocks commit Jesus Gibbs headed to the defensive line?

Roderick, who committed to South Carolina this summer, has taken it upon himself to be a class leader.

The 6-foot, 210-pounder pays close attention to recruiting, constantly monitoring other Carolina targets and doing his best to convince them to join him in Columbia.

"The fact of the matter is, the more people that are in this class, the more successful that we're going to be," Roderick said. "If I feel that I can contribute by getting somebody on board, then I'm going to do that. This program is going to skyrocket and I just want them to be a part of that."

One of the Gamecocks' top overall targets, four-star cornerback Jaycee Horn was also in Columbia for his official visit this weekend, but Roderick says he took the laid-back approach with the talented cover man this time.

"I mean, we were kind of saying stuff here and there, but we just sort of let him have his moment and have his fun," Roderick said. "We all took pictures with him and everything, so we all know what it is, if he comes here."

Roderick was hosted on his visit by fellow safety Jaylin Dickerson.

"He was just looking out, telling me what to expect and to look for and how to handle things when I get here, because I'm enrolling early just like he did."

The future Gamecock also spent plenty of time with defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson.

"Just the opportunity that I have coming here, to play, everything is really up to me, how much I play,"Roderick said of the message to him. "How much I will play is up to me, based on how well I practice and how I handle everything, maturity wise and physically."

Roderick plans to sign on December 20 and will enroll at South Carolina in January.