It took the entire recruiting process, but Pendleton (S.C.) three-star defensive end Brad Johnson, a long-time South Carolina lean, has finally pledged to the Gamecocks.

South Carolina withstood a strong push from Virginia Tech, where 6-foot-3, 227-pound Johnson also officially visited, before Johnson announced for the Gamecocks during a National Signing Day ceremony at his school.

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Johnson, one of the state's best pass-rushers, also held offers from Duke, Georgia Tech, Mississippi State, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Wake Forest and Wisconsin.

Johnson was recruited to Carolina by specials teams and linebackers coach Coleman Hutzler.

Johnson is ranked the No. 27 weakside defensive end in the country and the No. 6 prospect in the state of South Carolina's 2017 class by Rivals.com.

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