5-Star Devonte Holloman is a Gamecock

The South Carolina Gamecocks safety class was already looking to be one of the best in the nation, but that class got a huge boost tonight when 5-Star South Pointe (Rock Hill, SC) safety Devonte Holloman gave his pledge to defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson and the Gamecock coaching staff. Holloman is ranked as the #2 safety in the country, according to Scout.com.

The 6’2”, 210 lb. Holloman committed to the Gamecocks shortly after his South Pointe Stallions won 37-6 to move to 12-0 on the season.

“I’m glad to get it off of my mind, and ready to try and win a state championship,” Holloman said. “(The coaching staff was) excited, and said they were glad to have me on board. They told me to be ready to come in and work.”

Holloman originally committed to the Gamecocks’ in-state rival Clemson in May, but decommitted shortly after Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden resigned in October. Holloman then opened things up to the Gamecocks, North Carolina, LSU and Tennessee.

But after a near-perfect official visit to South Carolina, the rangy safety knew it was probably the place for him.

“I kind of decided a little after the visit, but still kind of wanted to keep my options open and take some other visits,” Holloman said. “A lot had led up to it, so I wanted to make sure. But I had already figured that might be the place.” While the nation’s no. 2 safety had originally planned to take a UNC visit soon, he says those plans are off.

“No more visits for me; USC it is,” Holloman said. Once Holloman opened things up it was only a matter of time before Johnson and safeties coach Ron Cooper opened his eyes. Both played a large role in him ultimately picking the Gamecocks. “They’re great coaches, and they treat their players just like they would their sons or daughters, but they hold them accountable for what they’re doing.” Holloman said. “I really like that they hold them responsible for what they do. I just really like the way they treat them as people, and just more or less them as coaches.”

South Carolina commitment and Holloman’s South Pointe teammate cornerback Stephon Gilmore also played a role in Holloman picking the Gamecocks. Gilmore and Holloman were AAU basketball teammates before Holloman moved to Rock Hill. “(He’s) somebody I can go in with, and I’ll already know,” Holloman said. “We both can go together, because we’re enrolling early.”

While plenty of factors led to Holloman picking the Gamecocks, he says it was the overall feel that he got about the program that made South Carolina the place for him.

“The coaches (played a big part). And just the program itself, all the people involved,” Holloman said. “It just seemed like a nice place to be.”

Lastly, Holloman sent out a message to all the Gamecock fans reading this: “I’m ready to come and work hard. I hope I make them all proud.”