Carson talks commitment

South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier said he hoped Saturday's historic victory over Alabama would help with recruiting. Little did he know that less than 24 hours later his program would pick up a commitment from one of its top targets. Lake City (S.C.) four-star RB and two-sport star has committed to Spurrier's football team and Ray Tanner's national championship baseball team.

The 5-foot-9, 195-pound Carson was not able to attend the Gamecocks victory over Alabama because he was taking the SAT, but make no mistake the potentially program-changing win had a major impact on his decision.

“That sealed the deal, because they proved a lot and they wanted to win the game," Carson said. "The better team won yesterday.”

Carson is ranked the No. 23 running back in the country by Scout.com. He chose South Carolina over offers from Clemson, Auburn, North Carolina, Miami and Florida State among others.

While opposing coaches have often used the argument that South Carolina will not feature the running game in the past, Carson has been very impressed by how the Gamecocks have used Marcus Lattimore as a freshman.

“They run Marcus a lot," Carson said. "They gave him a chance to play. I can take some of the pressure off Marcus Lattimore.”

While it’s the football team's current run that helped push Carson over the top, it’s the baseball program that seemed to lay the groundwork for the Gamecocks to ultimately land the talented two-sport star.

“They won the national championship," Carson said of the Gamecocks baseball program. "And Coach Holbrook. We have a good relationship.”

Carson will play either shortstop or center field for the Gamecocks. He says he doesn't have a preference.

While some athletes cannot handle the workload of going to school and playing two sports, Carson already participates in a jam-packed schedule and has the even-keel approach to succeed at doing just that.

“I’m just going to have to adjust to it,” he says. “I’m looking at getting on the field early. That was one of the reasons why I made this decision.”

Defensive line coach Brad Lawing and baseball recruiting coordinator Chad Holbrook combined as a duo that was tough to beat on the recruiting trail.

“They stayed on me the most," he said of the Gamecocks. "And Coach (Brad) Lawing. He’s a pretty good guy to be around.”

Carson will have the unbelievable opportunity to play for two legendary coaches in Steve Spurrier and Ray Tanner.

“I’m going to get a chance to [play under] both in college. They’re pretty good to be around.” Carson has had a huge start to his season rushing for 1,230 yards and 20 touchdowns in just 7 games.

“I’ve really had to just trust my line, because we’ve got a new line, and we’re just very young. I’ve just had to trust them.”

While he says he’s just concentrating on high school right now, he says he wants to get to the two programs and play as a freshman.

“I’m just happy to be a Gamecock. I’m going to try to help them win a national championship in both sports.”

Carson is the Gamecocks 20th commitment of the 2011 class.