Lex Cyrus wrestled with his decision but, after narrowing his choices down to Penn State and South Carolina, the Pennsylvania native decided to commit to the Gamecocks.
The Harrisburg (Pa.) Susquehanna Township star has been to the South Carolina campus multiple times and felt very comfortable in that environment and with the coaches.
“It’s a place I really feel like I can grow, even though it’s not close to home,” Cyrus said. “The people, especially being with the team, made me feel comfortable. All the guys were just cool and everybody is just nice and happy to see you and glad you’re there.
“I have a good relationship with coach Mike Furrey,” he said. “I visited twice and on both visits it just felt like a place I can be. I could see myself there. He’s definitely shown me that he has the experience. He’s worked with guys in the past and he’s done it himself. On my visit and even when he calls me, we talk about a lot really more than just football. About things like how he’s going to develop me in life and beyond football.
“They really like guys that they can move around, versatile guys,” said Cyrus. “They said that’s why they’re recruiting me, because I can do a lot of things and that’s what they look for in their offense.
“I talk to Tyshawn (Russell) on the team,” he said. “He’s a receiver from Bishop McDevitt in Harrisburg. He’s enjoyed being there and this is only his second season. He saw the field a lot last year. He thinks they’re going to have a big year this year.
Cyrus is an explosive and versatile receiver that head coach Shane Beamer, offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains, and receivers coach Mike Furrey will be able to move around to create mismatches. At 5-foot-10, 170-pounds Cyrus is on the smaller side but he has a 6-foot-3 wingspan and he is a burner. He’s posted a 10.4-second 100m time along with a 4.4-second shuttle and vertical jump of more than 32-inches. Last season Cyrus amassed more than 1,100 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.