Bentley discusses early enrollment

South Carolina originally intended to take a pair of quarterbacks in the 2016 recruiting class, but signing day passed without that happening.

As it turns out, that class will hold a pair of four-star quarterbacks after all. Following Pennsylvania product Brandon McIlwain's enrollment back in January, verbal commitment Jake Bentley has elected to forgo his senior season and enroll this summer in Columbia.

The 6-foot-3, 211-pounder had the option of staying in Alabama for his senior season to play for Opelika or to move back to his home state of South Carolina for his final year of high school ball. Over time, a different path emerged.

"There was really no timeline," Bentley told GamecockCentral.com. "I've just been exploring it with my parents and counselors."

The choice was one that Bentley feels is best for him and his family and allows him to take the next step early without another move.

"It allows my whole family to be together but USC is where I wanted to go to school," he said. "Being able to go there without having to go to another high school is great."

The four-star passer hopes to throw his hat in the ring for USC's quarterback job immediately upon enrolling in May.

"My goal is to be the best player I can be and be the starting quarterback for the benefit of the team and go win some championships," he said.

Bentley threw for 2,834 yards with 28 touchdowns and eight interceptions as a junior, also rushing for 340 yards and four scores.