Gamecocks add linebacker Qua Gilchrist

Qua Gilchrist, who played this season for Butler (KS) Junior College is to sign with South Carolina this afternoon in Abbeville, S.C., his hometown.

“It's a blessing," Gilchrist told Columbia recruiting expert Phil Kornblut. “When an SEC school gives you a chance, you've got to take it.”

Gilchrist, who is 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, had been committed to Houston, and also had offers from Kansas State, Kansas, Toledo and Northern Illinois.

South Carolina defensive coordinator defense Ellis Johnson offered him Monday, and he was quick to go with his home-state school.

Gilchrist, who will have three seasons of eligibility, is a former North-South Game participant who had 54 tackles, including 5½ sacks this season.

--Stan Olson

Got recruiting info? Drop me a line at solson@charlotteobserver.com