Former South Carolina commit Zavion Hardy picks junior college destination

Former South Carolina commit Zavion Hardy is headed down to Scooba Tech.

A day after announcing that he would be attending a junior college instead of signing with South Carolina due to academic issues, Hardy signed with East Mississippi Community College.

Famous for hosting the first two seasons of the Netflix hit show ‘Last Chance U’, the Lions have won four national championships since 2011.

A 6-foot-5, 260-pound four-star defensive lineman, Hardy originally committed to South Carolina on August 21.

With his decommitment, South Carolina currently has 23 recruits in its 2023 recruiting class. The Gamecocks have the No. 17 class in the country and No. 8 class in the SEC.

For more South Carolina recruiting intel, check out GamecockCentral.

Hardy is the No. 379 overall prospect and No. 45 defensive lineman in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 37 player in Georgia.

Zavion Hardy Scouting Summary

The following is an On3 Scouting Report of Zavion Hardy:

“Raw and athletic monster along the defensive front whose athletic traits shine on tape and haunt the dreams of ball carriers in the heart of Georgia. Measures in just above 6-foot-4, 265 pounds with a 6-foot-9 wingspan. Has solid explosiveness and get-off. Jumped a 26-inch vertical during the spring camp circuit prior to his senior season. Possesses outstanding foot speed and initial burst. Strong hands and shock at the point of attack.

…Productive player who is a force in the run and passing game. Tallied up 46 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 4 sacks in 8 games during his junior season. A bit rigid when working laterally. Plenty of hip flexibility when engaged and able to consistently win battles for leverage. High upside prospect who has raw athletic potential combined with terrific size. Top 150 NFL draft potential with collegiate technique refinement in pass rush.“