South Carolina Football: 5-star EDGE/LB makes college decision known

Over the weekend, South Carolina football target Nasir Johnson (4-star defensive tackle) chose the Florida Gators over the Gamecocks, but it was not the final battle the Gators would win over the Gamecocks. On Monday, 5-star EDGE/LB Jamonta Waller announced his commitment.

Waller chose the Florida Gators over offers from South Carolina, Ole Miss, Florida State, Auburn, Georgia, Alabama, and others.

As a player, Waller is polarizing. At 6’1″ and 220 pounds, he does not look like a defensive end, but that has been his primary position in high school. He is a very good and explosive athlete, so thinking Waller is capable of moving to linebacker is a realistic projection.

The recruiting industry is split on Waller. An elite athlete, the Picayune, Mississippi native does not have enough size (currently) to play as an EDGE player in the SEC. He also does not have much experience as a true linebacker, a spot many programs have projected for Waller’s playing future.

247Sports and ESPN have Waller listed as a 5-star prospect, Rivals views him as a 4-star, and On3 has evaluated him as a 3-star recruit. It is not uncommon for players to be viewed as a 3-star by a service and a 4-star by others or as a 4-star by one site and a 5-star by another, but it is extremely rare for the same player to be evaluated as both a 3-star and a 5-star like Waller.

The Gamecocks were always a bit on the outside looking in during Waller’s recruitment, but they have already picked up two linebackers (Carolina was recruiting him as a linebacker) in the class. 4-star Georgia native Wendell Gregory is a top-100 prospect in the country, and 3-star Fred “JayR” Johnson from Virginia will likely end the cycle as a 4-star, as well.

Gregory committed to the Gamecocks in January, while Johnson just joined the class this weekend. Both players are lengthier linebackers (6’2″ and 220 pounds for Gregory and 6’3.5″ and 230 pounds for Johnson) who are high-level athletes capable of playing against the run, rushing the passer, and playing in space against the passing game.