Douglas commits
South Carolina picked up another addition to the offensive side of the ball in the 2017 recruiting class today when lineman Eric Douglas made his pledge to the Gamecocks official.
The Charlotte (North Carolina) Mallard Creek product told GamecockCentral.com that the program was essentially the total package of what he was hoping to find at the next level.
"They just present everything that I need in a college. They kept in contact with me throughout the coaching staff change.," he said. "The system that they're running now fits with me perfectly. Everything about South Carolina is there. They gave me my first offer and the most love since the beginning. I love South Carolina."
The offensive tackle prospect picked up his first offer last summer at the Gamecock Showcase camp, and the coach that dispensed the offer was the lone assistant coaching holdover. The fact that Shawn Elliott is still wearing a Gamecock logo on his shirt was key to Douglas.
" I just think he’s a great coach. The way he presents the program, getting them hyped before games, getting the o-line good week in and week out in the SEC and the amount of people that he’s put on an NFL roster," he said. "Everything is there with Coach Elliott."
The 6-foot-4, 275-pounder also credited head coach Will Muschamp as a major factor in his choice, along with one of Muschamp's former standouts at Florida that is a Mallard Creek product.
"What he has to offer is excellent because he coached D.J. Humphries and Humphries trusted the process. D.J. was a first round draft pick. His dad talked to my dad and they say how much they love Coach Muschamp because of what he did for D.J." Douglas said.
The three-star lineman has some lofty goals upon his arrival in Columbia.
"I just want to go in early and make an impact, develop and possibly get an Outland Trophy award or get recognized as one of the top offensive linemen," he said. "Get some SEC championships, take four state championships home and if we can get there, a couple national championships."
South Carolina also has offers out to Mallard Creek prospects T.J. Moore and Ryan Jones, a current North Carolina commitment. Douglas noted that he is going to put on his recruiting hat now that he's firmly pledged to the Gamecocks.
"I’m going to try to get all three of us at Mallard Creek there and I think all three of us will get there. Fans can take that how they want it. I think I can get all three of us there."
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