USC Football Recruiting: Evan Hinson Picks South Carolina

Three-star tight end-defensive end Evan Hinson committed to South Carolina over USC football Wednesday morning.

Evan Hinson, the two-sport star from Deltona, Florida, committed to the other USC  — the South Carolina Gamecocks — Wednesday after making his official visit to Los Angeles this past weekend.

After the visit, Hinson indicated that he was considering both USC and South Carolina, but the Gamecocks will ultimately get his signature on Signing Day next week.

A former Miami commit, Hinson is the 30th ranked tight end in this year’s class, according to the 247Sports composite. At 6-foot-5, he could also double as a weakside defensive end. That athleticism is why the Trojans tried their hand at landing him after Clay Helton’s staff offered him in mid-December.

USC is still rebuilding the tight end unit after Bryce Dixon was kicked off of the football team and Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick had to sit out a second season due to ineligibility. On the defensive line there are similar concerns. With five graduations up front, the Trojans are in need of new blood in the trenches but only have two defensive linemen currently committed in this class.

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With or without Hinson in the picture, USC is still pursuing four-star De La Salle-product Devin Asiasi, another versatile athlete who could play either tight end or defensive end. However, they face tough competition from UCLA, who now employ former Trojan assistant and recruiter Marques Tuiasosopo.

The Trojans have just 13 commits for the 2016 class. Defensive tackle Keyshone Camp de-committed on Saturday, the same day wide receiver Velus Jones re-committed to play for USC.

That leaves seven spots to fill over the course of the next week.