Gamecocks land first for 2020

With a new early signing period and spring official visits now possible, the recruiting timeline is now as accelerated as ever.

That was on full display Saturday when South Carolina landed its first pledge of 2020 from Villa Rica (Ga.) running back Mecose Todd.

Todd broke down the reasoning for his early decision with GamecockCentral.com, giving ample credit to player development director Marcus Lattimore.

"He's awesome," Todd said of Lattimore. "Usually when I go to colleges, they talk about football. When I came here they were talking about life in general and being a better person in life, what you're going to do after football."

The total package at South Carolina held appeal for Todd and his mother, who joined him on the visit.

"They're number one in graduation and really care about education. I just felt at home. The coaches, they were happy to see me," said the Peach State back.

The 6-foot, 195-pounder, who was on campus on Saturday for an unofficial visit, chose the Gamecocks over offers from Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Iowa State, Memphis, Tennessee, Southern Cal and Virginia Tech.

Todd had a sit down with Will Muschamp on Saturday afternoon and delivered the news.

Said Todd: "When I told him he wanted to commit, he lit up and had a big smile on his face."

Todd was recruited to the Gamecocks by running backs coach Bobby Bentley.

"Coach Bentley is a great coach. He's everything I've been looking for in a coach. He's cool, but serious in serious moments. I think I'll love playing for him."