South Carolina Gamecocks have now officially lost one of the main pillars of their 2022 recruiting class. On Tuesday, five-star defender Gunner Stockton announced that he was withdrawing from the program.
In a social media post, Stockton revealed that team changes in South Carolina played a big role in his decision. Stockton also thanked the Gamecocks quarterback coach Connor Shaw for your support throughout the process.
“After much discussion and prayer with my family, I decided to withdraw from the University of South Carolina,” Stockton said in a statement. “In August, I made the decision to commit myself to the University, the program and the team. A lot has changed since that time and I feel I must revive my situation. I want to thank Connor Shaw for all your love, support and understanding. Please, no interview at this time. Much respect, Gunner Stockton. “
Stockton’s disengagement comes a day after Steve Wiltfong, director of sports recruiting, reported that Auburn offered the quarterback five stars and changed his prediction of the Gamecocks 247Sports Crystal Ball to the Tigers. It is also worth noting that Gamecocks offensive coordinator a year ago Mike Bobo, Stockton’s top recruiter in South Carolina, was hired to serve as offensive coordinator for new head coach Bryan Harsin. This led to some speculation among recruiting insiders that Stockton could turn around. Bobo is now the trainer who tries to take Stockton to the plains.
On Monday night, Keith Niebuhr of Wiltfong and Auburn Undercover made Crystal Ball predictions for Stockton to land in Auburn. Each of them placed their confidence level at “4”, which is considered “average” on the scale.
Stockton is a five-star recruit and the quarterback of the No. 1 double threat in the 2022 hiring class, according to the 247Sports Composite ranking. Stockton has already been selected to play in the All-American Bowl next year. As a junior, he shot 3,128 yards and 45 touchdowns for just four interceptions, with another 1,581 yards running and 26 more points. Over the course of three years, he shared defenses with 9,518 passing yards and 122 touchdowns, with 3,416 running yards and 62 points.