Posted by Bryan Fischer

After being told there was no room for him at South Carolina right before Signing Day, Atlatna (Ga.) defensive end Lorenzo Mauldin could end up at Louisville, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 

“That’s a pretty good option for me,” Mauldin told the Journal-Constitution. “I believe it’s better than prep school. I’ll already be there with the team and I could be playing football the next fall.”

Louisville and head coach Charlie Strong have offered Mauldin the chance to pay his own way for his first year at the school before coming on scholarship for the remaining years of his eligibility. If he qualifies out of high school, he would be able to come on scholarship right away.

Mauldin, who is currently in a group home, said he would be able to afford the tuition if he did not end up qualifying.

“I have supporters that are not alumni of Louisville that will help me out with that,” he said. “Playing football here [at Maynard Jackson HS], I’ve gotten to know a lot of people who want to help me. Plus, there’s the Pell Grant. So, yes, I think I can come up with [the money].”

South Carolina signed 32 players as part of their class of 2011. Mauldin and Groveland (Fla.) linebacker Jordan Montgomery were two players who were told that they would not be able to enroll this fall as a result of the numbers crunch.

According to Mauldin though, South Carolina assistant coach Lorenzo Ward said the Gamecocks would have room for him if he qualifies out of high school.

“He said if I get the score I will get the scholarship from one of the other boys who won’t academically qualify,” Mauldin said. “He tells me that’s his word. A man’s word is his bond, so I’m hoping that will be carried out.”

Mauldin is awaiting his ACT score and is expected to take the test at least one more time. April 1st is the last day a recruit can sign a National Letter of Intent but they can sign scholarship papers at any time before school begins.