'09 JUCO LB Tony Straughter (South Carolina Verbal)

[GoRU]

'09 JUCO LB Tony Straughter

Outside linebacker
Milledgeville (GA) Georgia Military College

Ht: 6-foot-1
Wt: 215 lbs
Class: 2009 (Junior College)

PalmettoSports.com | South Carolina Recruiting | Phil Kornblut | GoUpstate.com

LB Tony Straughter (6-1 211) of Georgia Military JC remains a USC target and has the Gamecocks in his top three along with Ole Miss and Tennessee. He talked recently with recruiter Ron Cooper and Straughter plans to attend a USC practice as soon as he can. "South Carolina is on me pretty strong," Straughter said. "Coach (Ellis) Johnson told me he needs two juco linebackers to come in and he's picked me and (teammate Josh) Dickerson. He feels like we have the best character." Straughter said he doesn't have a favorite right now. He also has offers from Kansas State and East Carolina.

[GoRU]

PalmettoSports.com | South Carolina Recruiting | Phil Kornblut | GoUpstate.com

LB Tony Straughter (6-1 211) of Georgia Military JC committed to USC Sunday. His teammate, LB Josh Dickerson (6-2 220) did not commit and will take at least two more official visits before deciding. Straughter and Dickerson made official visits with the Gamecocks over the weekend. "I felt really at home," Straughter said. "I decided to go ahead and join them. I like thw way coach (Raymond) Harrison talked about how he helps with academics. And coach (Ellis) Johnson and coach (Steve) Spurrier said I have a chance to come in and play right away." Straughter said he could play either of the linebacker positions or the spur safety. Straughter said he will not take any more visits. He also has offers from Kansas State, Ole Miss, Tennessee and East Carolina. Straughter is a native of Madison, FL and is on track to graduate in December. He will have three years to play two. Dickerson said he wants to take at least two more visits before making a final decision. "After that I will make my decision for sure," he said. He plans to visit West Virginia and Tennessee in October. He did enjoy his time in Columbia. "I liked it a lot," he said. "I like the coaching staff a lot. I want to play in a 3-4 scheme. A 4-2-5 scheme, I've nevery really had a chance to play in that. But I would say they (USC) are at the top of my list right now." Dickerson is from Kingsland, GA. He also has three years to play two.