A surprise signing Wednesday morning by USC as the Gamecocks inked three-star DE Gilber Edmond (6-4 220) of Fort Pierce, FL. Edmond had been committed to USF.

He also held offers from Central Michigan, USF, FAU, Western Kentucky, Jacksonville State and others. Florida State and Tennessee also showed interest in him.

Edmond took an official visit to USF January 18th and committed three days later. But he had held interest in the Gamecocks since a summer visit with a tour group. He did not meet any of the coaches then but later sent film to the football staff.

“I’ve been in contact with South Carolina for a couple of months but they didn’t offer and weren’t in the picture,” Edmond explained. “They (Travaris Robinson) came to the school just before the dead period and he said we really want you. Every since I went there in the summer, I thought it was a place I could see myself at. Yesterday I hit them up and they said they would let me know. They called this morning and said they had a spot and to take it if you want. I said of course I would.”

Edmond said he talked with Gamecock head coach about 20 minutes before signing. Up to that point, he had planned to sign with USF. But the conversation with Muschamp changed all of that.

“I was excited,” he said. “It was a place I wanted to go. I prayed about it and when you get the chance, you’ve got to jump on it. He (Muschamp) likes the way I get to the quarterback. He likes my pass rush, the way I move, my speed.”

Last season Edmond was in on 80 tackles with 22 tackles for loss and 17 sacks.

“Gilber is an outstanding athlete,” said Westwood High assistant coach Roscoe Barber said. “He is one of the hardest workers on our team, a very dedicated young man.” There are not enough great things I can say about him.”

He would be the third defensive end signed for the class, assuming Jordan Burch signs later this afternoon. And he would take the final scholarship for the class if Burch and Alex Huntley sign as expected this afternoon.