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Gamecocks move in fast on 2019 quarterback

South Carolina's recruitment of class of 2019 quarterback Ryan Hilinski has taken off quickly.

Within just the last week, the Gamecocks coaches started following the Orange (Calif.) Lutherin three-star standout on Twitter and reaching out to his coaches.

After Hilinski completed 20 of 25 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another score Friday in a victory over defending state champ Cathedral Catholic, head coach Will Muschamp and co-offensive coordinator Kurt Roper saw no need to wait to offer.

"On Sunday, I gave (Roper) a call and he said, 'I've got Coach Muschamp with me' and Muschamp extended a scholarship offer," the 6-foot-3, 205-pound Hilinski explained. "Coach Roper said I fit the offense well and he likes my character. He was just really excited to get me on the phone and talk to me and really excited to watch my tape."

Roper watched the film of Hilinski's big Friday night win and Hilinski returned the favor by watching the Gamecocks' 35-28 season-opening win over N.C. State with his family on Saturday.

"I watched the whole game; it was nuts," Hilinski said. "They have a ton of athletes. Coach Roper was talking to me about Bentley and he's very high on him, so I was like, let me see what shoes I would have to fill if I were to come to South Carolina. I definitely watched him.

"He made great decisions. He manages the game extremely well and that's one thing I pride myself on. Offensive scheme, they were a little kind of like our offense. They ran a couple of things that were the same exact reads I go through. It was really exciting to see that. I'm excited to see where they're heading, because they've got something special brewing over there."

The big-armed quarterback says he's never been to Columbia before - but he has been close to the state of South Carolina - and he is open to the idea of going anywhere.

"My aunt just moved to North Carolina and we went up there just to make sure she was fine and stuff like that, so I've definitely been close," Hilinski said. "I like the environment. I love California, but I'm definitely open to leaving the West Coast and going to the East Coast or wherever. I'm definitely open to that. Just wherever I get the best opportunity to play. Obviously the coaches have a huge impact."

"Coach Muschamp and Coach Roper have been so welcoming and so kind," Hilinski added. "Me and Coach Roper have been texting a lot. He texted me before his game on Saturday and before my game on Friday, so that's been a huge thing. And the SEC, there's nothing like it. It's just a huge opportunity, they prepare the best quarterbacks. It's really exciting. I'm definitely to come out there this fall and see a game."

Hilinski also holds early offers from Boston College, San Jose State, Fresno State and is hearing from Louisville and Michigan State.

He's eyeing Carolina's week 4 home game against Louisiana Tech on Sept. 23 as a possible visit date since he's got a bye that week.

Otherwise, he wants to focus on his team and their 2-0 start.

"We're just trying to figure out what we're going to do right now and get more of a feel for all of the schools that have reached out to us," Hilinski said. "I'm thinking probably the end of the season is a good time [to decide], because that's when everyone is doing it and reaching out and after you get a good feel for all the colleges and campuses. So that's the time that we're thinking. But once I feel comfortable with all the schools that have reached out, that's when I'll make that decision."

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