Four-star lineman Jamari Lyons praises USC but commits to Florida from final two

South Carolina landed in the final two trying to secure a commitment from four-star defensive lineman Jamari Lyons, but Wednesday he announced his desire to remain close to home and chose Florida over the Gamecocks.

Lyons is a 6-foot-4, 295 pound four-star who plays at Viera High School in Melbourne, Florida, 190 miles away from the university's campus. He's ranked by 247Sports as the nation's No. 235 overall prospect, 30th-best at his position and 27th-best overall in Florida for 2022.

USC's campus is 460 miles from his home.

USC now turns its attention to Oct. 13 when four-star tight end Oscar Delp (ranked 70th overall and No. 2 at his position by 247Sports for 2022) will announce his decision from among finalists USC, Clemson, Georgia and Michigan.

Lyons was offered by USC in December of 2020 just a few weeks after Shane Beamer was announced as the program's new coach. Others who Lyons holds offers from include Georgia, Texas A&M, Penn State, Auburn, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi State, Florida State and Miami.

He took an official visit to Columbia for the the Sept. 25 loss to Kentucky.

"When (USC) gave me their offer I was very excited to be coached under that new staff," Lyons said at his announcement ceremony. "All the coaches are new and I thought and still think their program is leaning toward a great path. They are struggling this year, but that's all right, it's going to be okay. They're new and still recruiting and will get more and more guys, better guys than me probably and will just get better.

"Overall the environment when we went to the game two weeks ago was incredible. It was something (like) none other, really. They have fun chanting and to the song ('Sandstorm') have fun twirling the towels and stuff. Me and my brother had a blast with the team, had a blast learning from (defensive line) coach (Jimmy) Lindsey, he's a great teacher. An amazing teacher. Coach Beamer is a great coach and a great guy."

The Gamecocks remain with 17th commits for 2022 including a pair of defensive linemen in Felix Hixon and Jamaal Whyce.

247Sports southeast recruiting analyst Andrew Ivins wrote that Lyons has "a promising frame and some pass rushing upside given his above-average first-step quickness. (He's) at his best when he can just fire out of his stance and attack the 'A' gap. Keeps his legs pumping once engaged with a blocker and won’t give up on a play as he’s always looking to cut off a run lane and swallow up a ball carrier. Longer reach (81-inch wingspan) tends to cause issues for opposing guards and tackles."