Charlotte offensive lineman T.J. Moore commits to South Carolina football|USC Hot Topics|Team BattleGround|College BattleGround

The South Carolina Gamecocks picked up their second-highest ranked recruit of the 2017 cycle by grabbing a commitment from Charlotte (N.C.) offensive lineman T.J. Moore. Moore, a four-star recruit and the nation’s 29th-ranked offensive tackle according to 247Sports’ composite rankings, chose the Gamecocks over the Tennessee Volunteers, North Carolina Tar Heels and N.C. State Wolfpack, making his announcement public today.

The Vols had been said to have made a strong move to gain Moore’s services of late after the Gamecocks had been considered the favorite. Moore had also been holding out for an Alabama offer. When that didn’t happen, and with Tennessee ultimately falling short despite Moore’s visit to Knoxville yesterday, the door was open for his pledge to Carolina.

The 6’5″, 280-pound Moore, who should figure heavily into the rotation next year even if he doesn’t start, will have familiarity with one other member of the 2017 recruiting class. Eric Douglas, a fellow offensive lineman for a Mavericks team that has won three consecutive state titles in North Carolina’s Class 4A, committed to the program back in April. They join JUCO transfer Dennis Daley and Palmetto State product Summie Carlay as O-line pledges.

Overall, the Gamecocks’ 2017 recruiting class sits at 19 players right now. The addition of Moore means that the program will have a strong bit of talent on the o-line with the pending departure of starter Mason Zandi at the conclusion of the 2016 season.