Local linebacker has a leader

One of the state of South Carolina's fastest-rising prospects -- Columbia (S.C.) Spring Valley three-star linebacker Channing Tindall -- now has a leader, fresh off a junior day visit to South Carolina Saturday.

"USC has probably taken the lead right now, just on the support that I'm getting and the constant contact I have with them," Tindall said. "Plus I don't want to be too far either."

The 6-foot-2, 206-pounder already had an offer from South Carolina and recently has added scholarships from Georgia, Florida, N.C. State and Duke.

A nation's No. 32 outside linebacker enjoyed Saturday's short trip down the road to South Carolina, his second in as many months.

"The visit was great," Tindall said. "I got to see more in-depth of the practice and get a feel for what the coaches really do when they practice and how they are, like their true colors basically. How demanding they are [stood out]. They really expect a lot from their players and they players really execute."

Tindall noticed a theme that the South Carolina coaches preached.

"'Don't talk about it, be about it,' that was the message the whole day," Tindall said. "That's basically what they follow on the whole defensive side. That's what they coach and preach every day."

The local linebacker says he's developed a strong relationship with USC special teams and linebackers coach Coleman Hutzler.

"He has a lot of energy and that's exactly what I love about him," Tindall said. "We have a great relationship. I like how I can talk to him about anything. He hits me up about where he sees me at, what I can do in the future, and anything I need help with, I can just ask him. He's just right there."

Tindall plans to visit Tennessee on March 4 and Florida in April.

He hasn't decided if he'll make a decision before or after his senior season.