Junior defensive end to visit South Carolina

LAKELAND, Fla. – Latrell Jean’s first offer made a splash. This wasn’t a case of a prospect initially attracting FCS schools and building forward. Instead, the class-of-2019 prospect’s inaugural opportunity is based in the SEC.

When South Carolina extended an offer, it immediately had Jean’s full attention. More than a year before Signing Day 2019, the Lakeland (Fla.) High School standout has taken a shine to the Gamecocks.

“I think they have a good team,” Jean said on Wednesday. “I think it’s one of the best teams in the SEC, really. I like Will Muschamp. I know him from Florida. I know he’s a great coach. He really knows what he’s doing.”

Jean will likely collect multiple offers in the year ahead. It’s a fact of which he seems loosely aware. These days, however, he’s focused on the opportunity on the table. He intends to visit South Carolina this summer and seems thrilled by the building anticipation.

“I’m excited to get there and see Coach Lance [Thompson] again and see the other coaches,” Jean said. “I’m excited to check out that locker room and see the facilities. I want to see what’s really going on.”

No matter how the visit goes, Jean plans to show restraint. He doesn’t deny that the urge to commit will likely be present throughout his tour. It’s just that he intends to fight it.

“I’m gonna wait and hold out,” he said of a possible commitment on his visit. “I’m gonna see what else happens.”

Jean holds just one offer for the time being but says interest in his services is wide ranging. With two full seasons of high school football left in front of him, word about his skill set is starting to spread. An under-the-radar prospect he is not.

“Florida State is talking to me,” Jean said. “Florida is talking about me. Ole Miss just came by yesterday. Illinois is interested, too. I know that.”

RIVALS REACTION: It’s impossible to predict the landing place of a 2019 prospect with just one early offer, but South Carolina is going to be in this until the end. Jean grew up a Florida State fan, but will likely take a business-like approach to his recruitment even if an offer from the Seminoles arrives. His list should expand during his junior season, but his upcoming visit to South Carolina could give the Gamecocks a giant head start when it comes to landing his commitment.