Ah, National Signing Day.

Today’s the day on which most recruits announce which school they’ve chosen to attend. Before I go any further, I’d just like to say that I wish I’d gotten to have a press conference to announce my decision on where to attend college. Alas, seeing as how I write about sports but don’t play them, that simply wasn’t going to happen. I digress.

Anyway, we all know that Carolina fans are some of the best around. They’re loyal, faithful, and extremely dedicated to their teams and their athletes. So what should you, a future USC athlete, expect to see and hear once you’re in the garnet and black for good?

Never fear, new Gamecock athletes. I’m here to help you out. The following six simple tips will assist you in having the best experience possible while you’re at Carolina.

Disclaimer: This will obviously be intended for football players, although it is generally applicable to all those in the major sports.

1. You will be expected to enjoy your time at Carolina, but not get caught enjoying it too much. Basically, the rule is this: have fun, make friends, and take advantage of the college experience. Go down to the Vista and Five Points. But please, for the love of Cocky, don’t get wasted, flip off a cop, and then run naked down the street. And above all else, never jaywalk. Seriously.
2. You will be noticed instantly on campus. You are a football player. You’re likely more athletic looking than 98.3% of the student body. You will probably be wearing USC football apparel. You will be hard to miss. Don’t be surprised if fellow Gamecocks (whether they’re freshman or seniors) notice you while you’re en route to class or the Russell House.
3. If you have a twitter account, you will get zillions of tweets a day asking for you to OMG PLEASE RT or follow?!?! Whether or not you do either of those things is up to you. Just make sure you have a twitter presence (until Spurrier bans the site during the season), interact with your fans, and don’t post gross or extremely personal information no one else on twitter needs to know about. Please.
4. Show up to class. Really, I know you’re at Carolina to play football, too, but remember, you’re a student-athlete. There are people who check your attendance. One of my best friends was one of those people. They have to report back to the Athletics Department, and if you don’t go to class, you won’t see the field. It’s that simple.
5. Don’t be stupid. This kind of sums up all the previous tips, but the point needs to be driven home. I know you’re 18, and you’re prone to not always make the smartest decisions. But as a Gamecock athlete, you represent the University of South Carolina at all times. Not to get on a soapbox, but don’t embarrass us. The last thing you want is to be known as “that guy” who couldn’t get it together and makes the program a laughing stock. Don’t cheat. Don’t break laws. Do be responsible in and for your actions. We’ll all be happier that way.
6. Be proud to be a Gamecock! We all are, and we’re thrilled that you chose our university. It’s an honor to wear the garnet and black and call Williams-Brice home. Our program is on the way up, and you have the chance to be part of making more history every season. You’ve made a fantastic decision, and now it’s time to enjoy and be proud of it.

That might seem like a lot, but it’s nothing too difficult. Keep these few simple rules in mind, and you’re on the path to success.

Welcome to Gamecock Nation!