Local LB Blown away by visit
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Columbia (S.C.) Richland Northeast class of 2016 linebacker T.J. Brunson has lived in the Columbia area for most of his life, but that didn't prepare him for what he saw in his first in-depth visit to the University of South Carolina.
"It wasn't what I was expecting," Brunson told GamecockCentral.com of Saturday's visit. "I've lived herd my whole life, just about, and I wasn't expecting to got there and feel like I was in a whole other world. It was a different atmosphere with everything. I didn't expect anything that I saw."
"It was in a totally good way," he added. "I was blown away after the visit."
That eye-opening visit and a subsequent offer from South Carolina linebackers coach Kirk Botkin on Sunday has put South Carolina out front for the 6-foot, 220-pounder.
"It was unexpected," Brunson said of the offer. "I figured it would be Clemson (that offered first), but Carolina is a good school. I enjoyed the junior day; it was nice. I feel at home there with Coach Botkin. I talked to coach (Steve) Spurrier Jr. and coach (Lorenzo) Ward, so I feel at home there."
What else stood out about the trip?
"The Dodie (Academic) Center," Brunson answered. "They're very one-on-one with the players. They want you to graduate with a degree, while you play football, so that's important."
South Carolina is the third program to offer Brunson who was offered first by N.C. State and then by Georgia Southern.
"I like the way (linebackers) coach (Dave) Huxtable coaches," Brunson said of N.C. State. "He's very decisive with what he wants and coach (Dez) Kitchens, he's been keeping up with me, and I like the program. The facilities are nice and everything."
Brunson also has been receiving interest from Clemson.
"Death Valley -- it's a different atmosphere," Brunson said. "I really liked it. I like coach (Brent) Venables. He likes to be close to his players. I appreciated that. I don't know, I just like the atmosphere up there."
Brunson plans upcoming visits to Clemson (March 7), N.C. State (Feb. 21), Louisville, Florida, Florida State and possibly Purdue.
What is Brunson looking for in a program?
"To make sure they have my major," he listed. "If the coaches leave, will I still feel at home there? Distance, like how far it is from home, things like that."
Brunson plans to make a decision during the summer, as early as right after spring ball, but definitely before his senior season.
In his own words, what will a program be getting in the linebacker prospect?
"I have a pretty good motor," Brunson said. "I like to play every play like it's my last. I can understand the game, what's happening, what I'm supposed to do, what everyone else should be doing. I feel like I fit in well with the defense that Coach Botkin and Coach Ward run."
