Perhaps the SEC’s most predictable instant-impact commit during the 2015 recruiting cycle is Marquavius Lewis, the nation’s top-rated JUCO defensive end out of Hutchinson, Kan. who signed with South Carolina on Dec. 17.
Once engaged this season, South Carolina’s SEC-worst defensive line rarely won matchups in the trenches and never improved. Out of 125 FBS teams, the Gamecocks’ defense ranked No. 118 in total sacks (12) and No. 123 in tackles-for-loss (44).
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Steve Spurrier and his staff made it a priority to secure help up front in this class and Lewis, a Palmetto State native, is the headliner. Lewis is one of six currently signed or committed defensive ends for the 2015 cycle.
“We’ve been saying for two, three, four months now that we’ve got some defensive help, we’ve got a pass rusher on the way,” Spurrier said after this signing. “We’re certainly fired up that Qua is coming with us.”
At 6-foot-4, 270 pounds, Lewis has substantial size with a high motor and will have two years to play two seasons in Columbia. He remained on board with the Gamecocks despite a late push from Will Muschamp and the Auburn Tigers.
“There’s the possibility of having an immediate impact, and I haven’t been home in two years,” Lewis said at his signing ceremony. “My family can come up and watch me any time. That played a big part.”
