The turning point in Christian Pellage’s recruitment came in late July, during a trip to South Carolina’s Gamecock Showcase Camp.

Pellage, a 6-foot-7, 282-pound offensive tackle from Brooksville’s (Fla.) Nature Coast, finally got the chance to work under Gamecocks offensive line coach Shawn Elliot, one of his main recruiters. That’s when Columbia, S.C. started to feel like home.

“I’ve met coach Elliot a couple of times, but that camp was my first time working with him,” Pellage told BHSN on Thursday. “I just felt this connection. I feel like he can really take me where I want to be and get me a lot better.”

That sealed what would eventually be Pellage’s path to South Carolina. The nation’s No. 27 tackle, according to 247Sports.com, made his decision official on Friday, announcing his pledge to the Gamecocks in front of family, friends and teammates just after 2 p.m. in his school’s gymnasium.

"The thing at South Carolina, I just got this feeling that I haven't really felt anywhere else," Pellage said.

An Under Armour All-American Game invitee, Pellage has worked hard the last three years to sharpen his skills. From his time working with Big County Preps, to camping at major colleges across the country, Pellage - one of BHSN's Top 20 football players for 2014 - has put in the work necessary to become one of the nation’s elite.

“Just doing all of these camps and combines, it really helped with my agility, my footwork and my skills," Pellage said. “I worked out a lot to fill into my body. You know, I used to be really skinny, so I really filled out to be a real offensive tackle.”

Elliot took notice.

“He said he loved my footwork,” said Pellage, a four-star recruit. “After the camps, he told me that I was physically ready the game. Just saying that, it meant a lot and I’m sure he can get me into the system real quick and hopefully play some my freshman year.

“I know it’s a battle for a position, but I’m going to do the best I can to get on that field as early as I can.”

Alabama, Ohio State, Florida, Florida State, UCF and Georgia all made their pitch to Pellage, but his heart was set on just two schools.

“I didn’t really make an official list, but it really came down between South Carolina and Miami,” he said. “I was close with both the coaches there, but the feeling I got at South Carolina, I couldn’t explain it. It just felt right.”

Pellage is ready to prove he can play with the big boys in the Southeastern Conference.

“I’m very excited,” Pellage said. “It has been my life-long dream.”