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ALSO SEE: Six recruits are taking official visits to USC this weekend, and we've already posted several updates. Get all of the scoop here.

Last year, I was in favor of Will Muschamp becoming South Carolina's defensive coordinator. I even wrote an article outlining the many positive ways I had anticipated he would impact the defense from day one. But Muschamp opted for the same position at Auburn.

Fast forward nearly one year later and Muschamp's name emerged again as a candidate to take a job with the Gamecocks, this time as head coach. Although I was not overly thrilled with the possibility at first, I quickly hopped on the Muschamp bandwagon after carefully reviewing the situation.

Now that Muschamp has officially been named head coach, I can say that I love the hire. Here are eight reasons why:

1. Well-known: It would be hard for the University to follow-up Steve Spurrier and Lou Holtz with someone who is not widely known, respected, and recognized. Muschamp has established and maintained many connections in the Southeast from his previous stops at Auburn, Florida, and LSU, among others.

2. Strong recruiter: Muschamp knows his X's and O's, but he realizes the importance of bringing in the right Jimmies and Joes for a team to be successful. Gamecock fans have already seen his tenacity on the recruiting trail, as Muschamp has visited with and reached out to a number of prospects, seemingly before he ever got the chance to settle into his new office. Just like the three keys for a successful business are location, location, location - the three keys for a successful college program are recruiting, recruiting, recruiting.

3. Constructing a competent coaching staff: Just like with recruiting, Muschamp has come out of the gate quickly with hiring assistants for the Gamecocks new staff. I have full confidence he will be able to fill out the remainder of the staff with quality coaches, as well. Muschamp holds his assistants to high standards when it comes to recruiting and coaching. After all, the assistant coaches are the ones who are primarily responsible for teaching and developing the players in the film room and on the field. I also have to commend Muschamp for reaching out to my former teammate and friend Marcus Lattimore. Although Marcus may not be able to hop on the staff right away, I believe he would make for an outstanding coach and recruiter for the Gamecocks once he is on board.

4. SEC experience: Muschamp has years of coaching at top-notch SEC programs under his belt, including Auburn, Florida, and LSU. He also played in the SEC - a walk-on safety for the Georgia Bulldogs who served as team captain in his senior season. Muschamp understands how competitive football is in the SEC, both on the field and in recruiting. There will be no learning curve needed in this area of his coaching repertoire.

5. Head coach experience: Muschamp did not win the SEC East in any of his four seasons at Florida, but he did a tremendous job at cleaning up the Gator program, which was on the brink of spiraling out of control under the previous staff. Regardless, I believe Muschamp's experience allowed him to learn a lot about himself, which will help him become a more successful head man this time around.

6. Defensive-minded: In my opinion, Muschamp is one of the brightest defensive minds in college football. Muschamp is aware of each player's strengths and weaknesses, and is willing to shape his defense to best fit those areas. This is a tremendous strength and is something most coaches are either unable or too stubborn to do. With how much the Gamecock defense has struggled over the past few seasons, I am excited to see someone of Muschamp's caliber leading the resurgence.

7. Treats a program like a family: Muschamp's players love and respect him. It sounds like a corny recruiting tool, but Muschamp really does run his program like a family. He takes the time to develop his players on and off of the football field, and serves as a positive figure in the lives of each young man he coaches. His ability to relate to and genuinely care for his players is a quality that has made Muschamp so successful as a coach and recruiter.

8. Passionate: Muschamp loves the game of football and he loves his football team. Muschamp will give his all for his football program, and his level of commitment and passion will motivate the players to hold themselves to higher standards when it comes to training, preparing, and performing. I'm excited to see a new level of energy and swagger injected into the University of South Carolina, and I'm expecting positive results from game one.

If you are not on the Muschamp bandwagon just yet, you will be soon. I don't expect the Gamecocks to be competing for an SEC Championship in year one, but, over time, Muschamp will prove he was the right man for the job.