Wakefield junior quarterback Connor Mitch was being pursued by many of the top college football programs in the country, but the chase ended Tuesday night when he committed to South Carolina.

Mitch had 17 scholarship offers, including the major college football teams in North Carolina, plus national powers such as Louisiana State, Alabama and Auburn.

“I don’t know if it was a difficult decision, but it was stressful,” Mitch said. “There was a lot going on in my head. But with South Carolina, it was love at first sight. I knew I wanted to go there after my first visit. It has everything that I want.”

New Wakefield coach Rod Sink, who was an assistant at the North Raleigh school in 2011, said Mitch had many enticing offers.

“I think a big factor was that he loved the South Carolina coaching staff,” Sink said. “I know he was wrestling with LSU, but South Carolina was always right there.”

College recruiters from all over the country told Sink they were impressed with Mitch’s accuracy.

“Connor has the size (6-foot-3, 220 pounds) and is a very accurate passer,” Sink said. “He also has the ability to read the defense and make the right pass.”

Last year, Mitch passed for 3,832 yards and 51 touchdowns on a 10-2 team. He had 3,332 yards and 37 touchdown passes as a sophomore.

Mitch said he and his family had discussed his decision in recent days and decided Tuesday they were sure South Carolina was the place for him.

Mitch then spoke with South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier.

“He was very excited,” Mitch said. “He was being loud and crazy just like he always is.”

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