South Carolina football will end today’s early hitting period.
South Carolina, like all other Division I programs, will end its early subscription period on Friday as it hopes to continue improving a list that only managed to win two victories in 2020. On Wednesday, Gamecocks received letters from intentions of eight of his nine engagements, with only striker TJ Sanders remaining unsigned.
The group is small, which was expected after the dismissal of coach Will Muschamp. After Muschamp’s departure, the Gamecocks saw almost half of their 17-man class fall apart, which could lead to a need to be creative on the recruitment trail this off-season.
As it stands, South Carolina has the lowest-ranked recruitment class at the SEC, but there are still players for the program to develop. Let’s take a look at the class to see the highest ranking recruit, immediate employees and the overall score for this initial subscription period.
The Signatories
- QB Colten Gauthier
- DB Marcellas Dial
- OL Jordan Davis
- WR Sam Reynolds
- WR O’Mega Blake
- RB Juju McDowell
- DL Nick Barrett
- OL JonDarius Morgan
Better to Get
Quarterback Colten Gauthier is the only player to be considered a four-star prospect by a major recruiting service. Rivals.com rated the signal caller as the 13th best professional passer in the country, as well as the 26th best player in the state of Georgia.
He may be on the right track for a redshirt season, as the Gamecocks’ quarterback room is quite full, but a few years ago from Luke Doty and Ryan Hilinski can do something good. Gauthier has the size and strength of his arm to be a major contributor in the future.
Instant impact
OUT
South Carolina is in desperate need of game creators in the position of wide receiver. They signed two pass takers at the beginning of the period, with one having a chance to make an immediate contribution.
O’Mega Blake was ranked the sixth best player in the state of Palmetto and chose to play for his hometown school for offers from Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Penn State, Tennessee, Virginia Tech and more.
With the lack of depth and wideout production, Gamecocks need someone to intervene immediately. Blake may be the answer after scoring 12 touchdowns last year.
DEF
In defense, the Gamecocks landed a big blow to Nick Barrett’s defensive tackle. The North Carolina product is considered a three-star prospect, but he did not have the benefit of playing a senior season to improve that status. Tar Heel’s state postponed high school football to spring due to COVID, and with Barrett planning to sign up early, his career is over.
The 1.8m and 80kg space hog can find his way to a defensive line that is probably losing some stellar power from the 2020 list. As a junior, he recorded 70 tackles and 15 sacks.
Surprises
Although the Gamecocks were unable to expel any recruits from opposing programs, they received some good news when runner-up Juju McDowell submitted his paperwork on Wednesday afternoon. It was unclear whether the tailback intended to sign earlier or wait until February, as Gamecocks currently do not have an offensive coordinator.
Shane Beamer managed to convince McDowell to sign his LOI, however, and it could be an addition that produces instant results.
The multifunctional back totaled 940 yards and 16 points in his senior season, in addition to throwing punts and kickoffs. Originally committed to the state of NC, McDowell returned his promise to Gamecocks over the summer. He could see the field early due to his versatility and kickback skills.
Overall rating
There are some major additions to the class, but whenever you have the group with the lowest ranking in the league, the grade will not be where you would like it to be as a program. Due to their size and lack of star power, Gamecocks score below average for this initial subscription period.
Note: C-