Running back picks Gamecocks over Vols

Jarvis Giles, a highly-rated running back from Gaither High in Tampa, Fla., has committed to South Carolina.

He officially did so at a news conference at Gaither today.

Giles, who is 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, had also strongly considered Tennessee, but the coaching change there helped solidify his commitment to the Gamecocks, he said at the news conference.

He has 4.4-second speed in the 40-yard dash, and Rivals.com ranks him as the No.2 all-purpose back in the country.

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier and his staff are looking for speed, and Giles' explosiveness could get him into the lineup quickly.

Giles is graduating early and expects to enroll in Columbia for the spring semester.

- Stan Olson