South Carolina football is part of the 4-star team CB Keenan Nelson.
Shane Beamer and the South Carolina technical team have been creating waves on the recruiting trail, staying in the first group with a series of talented candidates last month. On Sunday, Beamer and Co. added another name to the list, with four-star cornerback Keenan Nelson Jr. naming Gamecocks as one of its top 10 schools.
South Carolina made the selection for the elite quarterback, alongside Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Maryland, Wisconsin, Penn State, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia Tech and Rutgers. The state programs at Penn State and Pittsburgh may offer a head start for the Philadelphia native, although Nelson is playing his recruiting very close to the vest. He has not yet set an appointment date.
Nelson is considered the 107th best player in the country, according to 247 Sports, in addition to the 12th best cornerback in the country. National recruiting analyst Brian Dohn said the following about Nelson’s perspective on the next level.
Draft projection: Rounds 2-3
Large frame with length. You have the ability to be a dominant cornerback. Loosen your hips and change direction easily. Excellent time and technique. Fast and smooth feet. Comfortable on backpedal and smooth transitions for turning and running with the receiver. Keeps your hips firm out of breaks. You can get stuck and redirect. Good ball skills. Do not panic. It stands out against the elite competition. Works well and has closing speed. You can define an advantage in the running game. Good defender in space. You have to continue to develop strength. You must not be complacent. Several-year beginner in the Top 10 program. NFL Day 2 draft potential.
Gamecocks desperately need secondary help after losing their top three cornerbacks on the 2020 list, which means that they can offer Nelson an opportunity to play on the SEC right away. If South Carolina makes a commitment to the Keystone state outlook, it would be a big step forward for the future of defensive defense.