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ORLANDO, Fla. — The South Carolina Gamecocks have had six players decommit from their program in the last handful of weeks, but two Under Armour All-Americans that remain committed to South Carolina are still firm in those commitments.
Four-star defensive end Arden Key and four-star offensive linemen Christian Pellage each discussed their commitments following a practice session for the annual showcase game at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, Fla. Each player referenced connections to assistants on the Gamecocks coaching staff and a fondness for the university as reasons they’ll be heading to Columbia next fall.
“I felt the connection between us and I just felt it was the right thing to do,” Pellage said of South Carolina co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Shawn Elliott. “… we try and keep in as much contact as possible.”
Key shared similar sentiments regarding his relationship with South Carolina defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward, who he said has been recruiting him since he was in the 10th grade. Ward has been the subject of scrutiny from the South Carolina fan base after the Gamecocks ranked 13th out of 14 SEC teams in total defense this season, but Key insisted Ward was a coach he wanted to play for.
“We have a good relationship getting to know each other over the years,” Key said. “We get along well.”
Neither player seemed phased by the recent decommitments by peers like four-star cornerback Mark Fields, and neither seemed bothered by Steve Spurrier’s comments that he might leave South Carolina in the next handful of years. Those comments were perceived as a reason for many of the decommitments.
“Whatever’s best for them good luck to them, but that’s their decision,” Pellage said.
In fact, Pellage said he was “honored” to be able to maintain a relationship, citing the Head Ball Coach as a reason for his interest in South Carolina.
Key and Pellage have gotten a head start on establishing a relationship as teammates, spending their week in Orlando as roommates during the Under Armour festivities. According to both 6-foot-7 giants, their relationship is already blossoming.
“Me and Arden are roommates so that’s been pretty fun,” Pellage said. “We’ve been talking a lot, hanging out a lot too, just getting to know each other a little better.”
Pellage doesn’t know how soon he’ll be able to contribute to the first-team offensive line, but Key said he hopes to be able to step in right away and help a Gamecocks defensive line that struggled mightily in 2014. South Carolina ranked 119th out of 128 FBS teams in sacks this season, and 118th in tackles for loss.
Key said he’s not sure exactly how the coaching staff will deal with his weight (he fills out his 6-7 frame with just 230 pounds), but added he thinks he’ll have a chance to see the field on third downs as a speed rusher off the edge with a potential to bat down passes at the line of scrimmage.
“Their defensive line wasn’t always great this year so I’m hoping to come in and rush the passer and help the defensive line get better,” he said.
One thing South Carolina fans will like about both players, in addition their loyalty to the program, is their priorities. Both players hope to contribute to the team, but more than anything both players want the program to attain the success it maintained with three straight 11-win seasons from 2011-13.
“I want to win the national championship,” Pellage said. “I want to win it all.”
A former newspaper reporter who has roamed the southeastern United States for years covering football and eating way too many barbecue ribs, if there is such a thing.
