WR Jeffery picks South Carolina

SAINT MATTHEWS, S.C. – Ending months of speculation about his future, Calhoun County receiver Alshon Jeffery signed with South Carolina on Wednesday morning during a ceremony at his high school.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Jeffery, a national Rivals100 selection, committed to Southern California last summer but kept his recruitment open.

Jeffery, The (Columbia) State’s choice as the best player in the state, caught 30 passes for 693 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior. Jeffery was the last of seven Calhoun County players to sign.

Sitting in front of a microphone in the school gym, Jeffery first announced he was going to Southern Cal. The crowd of 100 or so was silent as someone unfurled a Southern Cal blanket behind Jeffery as Jeffery initially announced his choice as the Trojans.

After polite applause, he put on a Gamecocks cap and said, "I think I’m going to stay in state and go to South Carolina," drawing louder applause.

"That’s why I stayed home and tried to represent for the home team," Jeffery said. "We’re going to do it big at South Carolina. . . . I loved the atmosphere out there on Saturday night. It's live out there."

Jeffery was glad to have made his choice.

"It’s as long process, a lot of stress," he said. "I’m glad it’s over." - Joe Person, The (Columbia) State