Of the 12 newcomers to the South Carolina football team through the transfer portal and the 2021 autograph class that are already on campus, two of them reside in secondary school.
South corner of georgia David Spaulding and Georgia Military College corner Marcellas Dial each has been on campus for a few months and is a practice for spring camp. On Monday, senior security RJ Roderick he noticed the work that he saw the two defenders put off the pitch to be ready for when the helmets arrive this spring.
“Just talking to them and seeing what they know so far about the defense, they work in the weight room, Marcellas and David,” said Roderick. “They were in my survey group. I feel like these guys have a weight on their shoulders because they are kind of unknown. They came here trying to prove themselves and are showing it only by the way they work. “
Given the state of the cornerback’s position in South Carolina after the transfer of the 2020 holder John Dixon and the departure of beginners of several years Jaycee Horn and Israel Mukuamu for the NFL, Roderick believes that someone like Dial can make an impact on the team this fall. Just sophomore redshirt Cam Smith has initial experience in the singing position in a Gamecocks uniform.
“I feel like he can come in the fall and be a contributor,” said Roderick of Dial. “What impresses me about Marcellas are their numbers. He works a lot in the weight room and his numbers show it. He attacks and you can see. He’s a guy who, when the time comes to set the time and work, he’s one of the guys who are willing to do that. “
Gamecocks Head Coach Shane Beamer on the Dial:
“ONE South Carolina guy and state boy, originally from Woodruff. The defensive back, there are many important positions to be needed, but the defensive back is certainly an area where we have to improve our depth and put a few more players in there. I really enjoyed visiting with him. As with all the guys, so many FaceTime calls and regular calls over the past few weeks. Your energy doesn’t go up and down. Each time we talk, he is energized and has a smile on his face. He has a certain length in the position that allows us some flexibility in doing some press coverage in defense as in defense, playing away. He was a great jumper in high school too, so he has a great athletic build. “
Beamer in Spaulding:
“It gives us some length in the defensive position of the back. Really impressive measurable when you look at its size and length. Everyone in America is looking for some databases of some size that can run. Size, speed and length. He has it all. It will help us in another position of need, where we are short of numbers in secondary school for different reasons. We are still looking to add maybe a few more guys in the final stretch in the defensive position of the back. “
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Dial, a sophomore in the red shirt, weighs 6-0 and 190 pounds, and will wear the number 24 this season. Spaulding, who is in his second year in a red shirt, weighs 6-1 and 190 pounds and wears No. 29.
During the summer, the secondary will also receive a transfer to Assumption College Carlins Platel, Signatory of Georgia Military College Isaiah Norris, and signatory of high school La’Dareyen Craig. All three are listed as corners on 247Sports.