Coveted CB Kosci Barnes commits to South Carolina: 'It felt like family'

Greensboro (N.C.) Grimsley cornerback Kosci Barnes had an impressive offer list, he took official visits to Kentucky, Miami, Mississippi State, Rutgers and South Carolina, and after taking some time to think over his decision, he has committed to Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks.

“I committed to South Carolina because it felt like family,” Barnes told Rivals. “The culture there, the passion they have for football and how I was treated by the coaches were some of the other reasons I chose South Carolina.”

South Carolina came in with an offer to Barnes in the spring. Since that offer was presented in April, the Gamecocks have been in pursuit.

“They offered a little later than some schools, but before they offered, I was already talking with coach Gray and once they offered, he showed me that I was high on their board. Coach Gray was consistent, we talked a lot and coach Beamer would FaceTime me a lot. They made me feel really good and that was big in my decision.”

Rutgers was up there on Barnes’ list, but Kentucky was South Carolina’s top competition. The three-star made the decision earlier this month and the head coach was a factor in it.

“There is only so much a head coach can do in recruiting and coach Beamer did a lot. He has a passion for coaching, I love his character and he is like an extended member of the family. He treats his players like family and he is a great guy I can talk to about football or life. How he always contacted me meant a lot.”

Outside of the relationship with Torrian Gray, learning from him and playing for him excites Barnes.

“Coach Gray is a tough coach who pushes his players and that is what I am looking for. He is about technique, he is a strong man coverage guy and that is perfect for me. I love to play press man, coach Gray pushes that hard and he is about development and production. It all kind of fell into place with coach Gray for me.”

Not only is Barnes looking forward to playing for Beamer and Gray, but he can’t wait to play inside Williams-Brice Stadium.

“Football is a very big thing at South Carolina,” Barnes said. “They are all really together – the fans, the team and the coaches. At South Carolina, football is the main thing and everyone loves it. The people love the players and I love the environment there.”