The latest news from the University of South Carolina Gamecocks football program is another punch in the gut for their fans. The highest rated recruit in what once was a very talented class, Arden Key (Lithonia, Ga.), has decommitted. Key originally committed in June 2013, but decommitted shortly after in September 2013. He then recommitted in June 2014, but has said that he is no longer keeping his commitment.
Via Twitter, Key said,
“I have decommitted from South Carolina. Me nor my coaches will take any phone calls from the media.”
The Gamecocks may not be completely out of luck with Key, as he still has a visit scheduled to Columbia on Jan. 23. He will also be visiting Auburn on Jan. 30.
Key turns into the seventh decommitment for the Gamecocks since October. Part of that can be attributed by the Gamecocks poor play, while some could be linked to Steve Spurrier making a comment about being at Carolina only two or three more years. He has since changed his mind and said he would stick around longer.
Key was expected to play a huge role right away as a defensive end, an area where the Gamecocks could use a lot of help. The four-star recruit has incredible pass rushing ability and, at 6-5, 230 pounds, has athletic ability to be a playmaker in the SEC.
Georgia, LSU and Auburn have stepped up their recruiting of Key, and it looks like his recruiting process will come down to National Signing Day.
The Gamecocks currently have 17 commitments in their 2015 class. Eight of those players have already enrolled. The Gamecocks have fallen from the No. 3 recruiting class, to as low as No. 17 by some recruiting sites.
Don’t count the Gamecocks out, but expect him to make them sweat a little.
UPDATE:
Key tweeted on Wednesday, saying
“South Carolina still #1 on my board. Nobody knows my situation.”
*Section Photo credit to Streeter Lecka, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to 247sports.com.
