The first publicly announced commitment for USC from the weekend’s official visits came Sunday afternoon from SAF Jy’Vonte McClendon (6-2 180) of Lake Gibson, FL. McClendon becomes the fifth commitment for the Gamecocks’ 2022 recruiting class.
His commitment was not a surprise. McClendon had been on record as favoring the Gamecocks and had set his sights on this weekend for making his decision official.
“I like the way they coach and how they feel about their players, and their support group,” McClendon said in late April. Secondary coach Torrian Gray has been his recruiter. “I’ve been talking to him since Florida. He’s from where I’m from. That’s part of the relationship, too. We have a close relationship. He’s the recruiter I’m closest to.”
McClendon had USC and Miami as his top two. He also has offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Oklahoma, Cincinnati and Georgia Tech.
Last season McClendon was credited with 37 tackles according to MaxPreps stats. He also had 2 interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, knocked down 4 passes and blocked a punt. He has 94 career tackles and 5 interceptions. He’s rated a three-star in the 247Sports Composite and ranked 33rd nationally among safeties.
