South Carolina commit Arden Key on school’s academics: ‘You have to try to fail’ (Updated)

High school defensive end Arden Key verbally committed to the University of South Carolina on Sunday afternoon after visiting the campus last Friday. Key, who recorded 12 sacks and 58 tackles last season, said he was considering staying in his home state by committing to Georgia but instead opted for Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks.

Like any other top recruit, Key factored a number of elements into his decision-making process. One of the things he enjoyed about his visit to USC was the realization of how difficult it is to fail a class.

“The academic part, it’s like you have to try to fail,” he said, via Palmetto Sports. “I love the coaches. They are always ready for something. And it isn’t far from home. It gives you a different environment. It’s in the city, but it’s also in the country.”

Now, let’s be fair and look at the comment objectively. On one hand, Key could be talking about how football players are given special treatment and classes are made incredibly easy for them. Keep in mind he has never attended class there, so he must have gotten this information from the coaches or students who are currently enrolled at South Carolina.

But we all know that type of thing would never take place on a college campus. Steve Spurrier may turn the other cheek when it comes to an underage player having a beer, but he would never stand for his players having an easy go of it in the classroom. What Key must have meant is that the football team’s tutors are so good that it would be impossible to not soak up enough knowledge to get a passing grade. Yeah, we’ll go with that.

UPDATE: As a commenter pointed out, it appears Palmetto Sports omitted an important piece of Key’s quote when writing their story.

Arden Key quote from interview right after he visited: "I liked the academic center. The academic center makes you want to study."

— Wes Mitchell (@WesMitchell247) June 18, 2013

H/T The Big Lead