South Carolina football: Jayden Johnson decommits from Gamecocks
By Jacob Elsey
South Carolina football has lost its 4th commitment of the week.
Jayden Johnson became the fourth decommitment of the week late Tuesday evening, announcing his decision to re-open his recruitment following the firing of former Gamecock head coach Will Muschamp.
Johnson joins linebacker/safety prospect Bryce Steele, who also pulled his pledge late Tuesday, and wide receivers Rodarius Thomas and Simeon Price.
The Peach State native made his announcement on Twitter, with a statement that read as follows.
"First off, I would like to thank the entire coaching staff, the commits, and the academic staff at South Carolina. Y’all treated me like family since the day I committed. Thank you coach Muschamp and coach T-Rob for taking a chance on me and giving me this opportunity. But after long talks with my family and God, I think it’s best that I decommit from the University of South Carolina."
Johnson is rated as a three-star prospect, and the 28th best athlete in the country. He was viewed by 247 Sports as the 26th best player in the state of Georgia, and was intending on playing safety in the South Carolina secondary.
Originally committing back in June, he chose the Gamecocks over offers from Arkansas, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia Tech, Kansas, Kansas State, Liberty, Memphis, Navy, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, and Virginia.
Following the decommitment, South Carolina’s 2021 recruiting class falls to 69th in the nation, as well as dead last in the Southeastern Conference. There are now just 12 players remaining in the class.