At a press event at The Ellis Performing Arts Center on Friday, October 11, Donell Stanley, an offensive lineman for the Latta High School Vikings, made a verbal commitment to play football for the University of South Carolina.

Stanley said he had committed about a month ago, but he and USC officials had kept it quiet so he could announce it. He can’t officially sign until National Signing Day on February 5 but says he has no plans to visit other schools.

Surrounded by family members, Stanley thanked his family, coaches, fellow teammates, school faculty and officials, friends, media and the community for their support.

Stanley was considering Clemson, Alabama, and North Carolina in addition to USC. Stanley said he chose USC because he wanted to stay close to home and he wanted to play in the SEC.

Last season, Stanley had 82 tackles and 9 sacks, and has made 60 tackles and six sacks in his first six games of the 2013 season.

This week, Stanley was selected for the Shrine Bowl and the U.S. Army All-America Bowl.

The 6-foot-4, 330 lb. Stanley will also play basketball and baseball at USC.

Photos by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD. Click the images to view at full size.