USC was the first SEC program to offer LB Navonteque Strong (6-1 230) of Forest, MS and Mississippi Gulf Coast JC. Strong will be going into his second season with the Bulldogs and is on track to graduate in December with two years to play on the next level. With the attention he’s getting from Will Muschamp, Strong plans to keep the Gamecocks in his plans.

“He said he liked my film and he liked how I run and stuff, and then he offered,” Strong said of his conversation with Muschamp last month. “He said he liked how I ran and tackled and how I get to the ball.”

Strong was a standout for the Bulldogs last season in his freshman campaign totaling 104 tackles with 17.5 tackles and for loss and 8.5 sacks. He also broke up 3 passes, had 1 interception and recovered 2 fumbles.

Strong is just starting to build his relationship with the Gamecocks but he likes what he’s learned about them thus far.

“I think they are a good school and they can help me get to where I want to be,” Strong said. “Playing in the SEC, that’s the dream. It’s the best of the best. Everything is really neutral. It’s my first SEC offer and I think it’s really big.”

Colorado recently offered Strong prior to the coaching change there. He also has offers from Troy, UAB, Arkansas State and South Alabama. He did not take in January visits but plans to get out this spring. Muschamp has invited him to visit and he plans to do so. After his visits, Strong will work on his favorites list.

“I feel like they will be in my top five,” Strong said of the Gamecocks. As for any other SEC teams showing interest, Strong cited Tennessee.