South Carolina needs another linebacker or two in this recruiting class and the staff hosted one of its big targets at that position this weekend.
Linebacker Jonathan Walton (Daphne, Ala./Bayside Academy) took his official visit to South Carolina this weekend. It was his first time ever on campus.
"I never have been to USC so it was a new thing for me," Walton said. "I got to see everything. I meet with the players and got along with them. I got along with the coaching staff and they have been together for a while. That is new to me because my other top schools just got there coaching staff put together. Everything about the place is pretty neat."
Walton came away impressed with Columbia
What stood out most about the visit?
"I would say the fanbase," Walton said. "The fans here are one of a kind. I've been a lot of places but I like the fans here. I was just walking around and I had people that knew who I was. This is my first time here and that says something. They have been reading and talking about me when I haven't been around. That means something to me."
South Carolina linebacker coach Kirk Botkin is the recruiter for Walton along with defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward. Walton was able to talk with them along with head coach Steve Spurrier this weekend.
"I talked with Coach Botkin, Coach Spurrier, and Coach Ward," Walton said. "They are looking at me at WILL (linebacker) but they said I could play MIKE (linebacker). They see me more as a WILL right now."
As with most official visits, the last thing Walton did was have a sit down talk with Spurrier.
"He was letting me know how many spots they have open and what they see they can do with me," Walton said. "I got along with Coach Spurrier pretty well. I grew up a Florida fan so he got to me there too. He did some great things there."
Walton holds offers from South Carolina, Auburn, Penn State, Tennessee, Mississippi State, Minnesota and a few others.
After this weekend, he says that one school has the edge for him.
"South Carolina is the leader," Walton said. "I had a really good time there. It would be Tennessee number two right now because I haven't been to Auburn yet to rate them. I'm going to stay in the SEC."
The 6-foot-1, 238-pounder detailed what is next for him and when he will make a decision.
"I go to Auburn next week and that will be my last official visit," Walton said. "I will announce my official decision once I get back from Auburn. It should be about three days after or once I have time to think about it once I get back."
-USC rivals on the visit