USC Monday landed its second 2021 offensive line commitment in as many weeks as JonDarius Morgan (6-4 305) of Birmingham announced on Twitter his plans to join the Gamecocks. Morgan’s commitment follows that of Jordan Davis of Fairburn, GA who last week became the Gamecocks first offensive line commitment for the class. He also pushes the class total to 10.
Morgan also held offers from Arizona State, Syracuse, Tennessee State, Louisville, Georgia Tech, South Florida and Troy. He took unofficial visits to Tennessee and South Alabama prior to the dead period being imposed due to Covid-19. He has set his official visit with the Gamecocks for October 10th.
USC offensive line coach Eric Wolford has been communicating with Morgan and explained to him his coaching style and what he can do for him. Morgan also has checked out the Gamecocks on film, and he feels he’ll benefit from the way they work their players.
“I like how they coach their players, there’s a different type of level and intensity,” Morgan said. “Most of the things that they coach will happen in a game. I was very impressed with Coach Wolford. I think I would be real good under him. He wants me at guard but he also wants me to learn different positions. My reach and my down hill blocking are strengths.”
Morgan was an unknown in recruiting circles until the spring. His new coach, Bill Smith, didn’t know about him until watching film soon after taking the job.
“Started watching film and JonDarius was the first film I watched, and I thought our left tackle was SEC good,” Smith said. “About a week later, Coach (Bobby) Bentley called about my kids at Fayette County and asked if I had any guys he should take a look at Huffman. I sent him the spreadsheet and about a week later he called me back and said he really liked JonDarius. Coach Wolford called and asked me about him. I knew they were very interested but they wanted him on campus. Troy and South Florida offered, and then South Carolina called back and offered. Georgia Tech offered later that day. Syracuse offered the next day and then Louisville after that. He’s just exploded. His film is outstanding.”
Smith said Morgan can play tackle and guard and has the potential for a big SEC and NFL career.
“He has a big frame, quick feet, and I feel like he can play guard, and his feet are good enough he could play tackle,” Coach Smith said. “I told Coach Wolford he’s getting a diamond in the rough, a hidden gem. He said we know. I feel like he’ll be a ten year NFL lineman. He’s shown a lot of improvement from three weeks ago until today.”
Smith said Morgan did not disclose his plans to commit to him. He said Morgan and his dad called Wolford Monday afternoon and made the commitment during that conference call.
“It was a shaock to me,” Smith said. “I knew he was excited when they offered. He wanted to play in the SEC. I kind of figured South Carolina and Georgia Tech were his two favorites. He called with his dad and his dad said we’re going to commit. They made a decision and wanted to get the pressure off of his senior season and let him focus on Huffman football and feel good about having a home after his senior season.”
Morgan has not been rated or ranked by 247Sports, and by Rivals he’s rated as a three-star prospect.
