Tackle picks South Carolina
Columbia (S.C.) Spring Valley offensive tackle Quintin Richardson made a verbal commitment to the University of South Carolina on Friday.
The 6-foot-4, 270-pounder made the announcement at a press conference at his school.
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"I've decided to follow my heart," Richardson said. "The place I want to go is the University of South Carolina.
"Coach Spurrier is building something special here."
Richardson chose the Gamecocks ahead of Clemson and Tennessee. He also held scholarship offers from Auburn, N.C. State, North Carolina, Maryland, Kentucky, Virginia Tech and Middle Tennessee State.
Richardson took multiple unofficial visits to South Carolina to take in spring practices and scrimmages. He also got an up-close look at the Tigers on more than once occasion and visited Knoxville unofficially.
Considered by many to be the Palmetto State's top offensive line prospect, Richardson is the second verbal commitment for the class of 2007 for the Gamecocks, joining Rivals.com Junior All-American cornerback Gary Gray of Columbia Richland Northeast.
Richardson also is the second verbal commitment for South Carolina assistant quarterbacks coach and recruiting coordinator David Reaves. Reaves, rated by Rivals.com as one of the top 10 recruiters in the Southeastern Conference for the class of 2006, also was Gray's recruiter-of-record.
Offensive line coach Brad Scott was Richardson's Clemson recruiter. It is not known who specifically was recruiting Richardson for the Vols, though defensive coordinator John Chavis and defensive line coach Dan Brooks both recruit South Carolina for UT.
One of the most athletic line prospects in the Southeast, Richardson is expected to play offensive tackle for the Gamecocks, though there has been talk that he could potentially play defensive line.