| USA TODAY Sports Network Special – South Carolina
South Carolina receiver coach Justin Stepp is eyeing wide receiver Jayden Gibson of West Orange, Florida, and left a strong impression on him in the early stages of his recruitment. Gibson said that he and Stepp talk frequently and are building a strong relationship.
“This is my guy,” said Gibson. “The coach and I had good conversations. He showed me a lot of things about South Carolina. He showed me the facilities in some pictures and things like that. It will definitely be one of the schools that I will consider closely when I get to the point where I want to narrow it down. I know what they did to the receivers. And then the SEC, this is always an advantage. “
Gibson (6 feet-6, 185 pounds) has that height that offenders are looking for. And he said that Stepp likes his overall package as a receiver.
“The coach told me that he likes my speed and believes that I can go out there and win these one-on-one battles,” said Gibson. “Just by watching them on TV, I can say that what he says is true when he says that they really value that confrontation from behind, and that he thinks I have the ability to beat them. I definitely believe that too, that I have the ability to win those one on one fights with my size and speed and the work I did. He also sees that I am versatile. He likes that about me too. “
Gibson said that, from what he is hearing from Stepp, he sees a Gamecocks program emerging from the ashes of a 2-8 season in 2020.
“I think they have a lot of good things going to happen,” said Gibson. “They have a great technical team that will be ready and take any player who decides to go there to the next level. I believe that Coach Stepp is one of those coaches who can also elevate my game. He is someone I must consider because I know what he can do for me, what I can do for him, what South Carolina can do for me and what I can do for South Carolina ”.
Along with the USC, Gibson said he is hearing a lot from Florida, Arkansas, Baylor, State of Florida, State of Iowa, Cincinnati, Missouri, Miami and Georgia Tech. It also has offerings from Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, the State of Kansas, West Virginia, UCF, Indiana and Syracuse. He wants to make his decision after spring and he will be signing and graduating sooner.
Gibson carries a four-star rating on the 247Sports Composite and is ranked as the No. 41 receiver in the 2022 class. Last season, he had 32 receptions for 775 yards with nine touchdowns.
Dutch Fork receiver thanks USC for interest
Dutch Fork High wide receiver Antonio Williams (6-0, 180) in Irmo remains as impressive on the recruiting circuit as it is on the field.
Last week, he got an offer from the State of Florida. Seminoles join USC, Auburn, Michigan, Southern Cal, Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee, Oregon, Michigan State and Missouri in their offer list.
Stepp and coach Shane Beamer are trying to push Gamecocks to the forefront of recruiting Williams, and Williams said he appreciates the love he is receiving from his hometown school.
“I feel like they want me more,” said Williams of Gamecocks. “I feel like everyone (friends and family) is always talking about South Carolina. But I’m not rushing anything. “
Williams said he will keep an eye on USC’s progress under the new coaching staff.
“I am excited to see what they have to offer this season,” he said. “I hope they do well. That’s what I hope. I’m excited for that.”
Clemson is also appearing for Williams. The Tigers offered other recipients, but recipient coach Tyler Grisham did not forget Williams.
“He sends me messages and we’ve talked on the phone a few times,” said Williams. “They only offered a few receivers, so I’m being patient. They have a commit on the receiver, Adam Randall (from Myrtle Beach). He (Grisham) thinks I’m one of the best receivers in my class. I think the same thing. I don’t know what they are expecting ”.
Williams said he will not make a decision until the beginning of his senior season and will not sign or graduate anytime soon. And he said he doesn’t have a favorite right now. Last season in 10 games – another championship season for the Silver Foxes – Williams had 1,504 yards in total and 10 touchdowns.
Gamecocks join the search for the Chester star
Gamecocks are going a long way after Chester’s Zan Dunham (6-2, 210) and have joined Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia Tech, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Liberty and Tulane as their offerings.
Dunham plays as a defender and security guard for Chester, which is about 60 miles north of Columbia. Gamecock likes him for defense, and he received an offer from coordinator Clayton White.
“They wanted to give me the offer because I’m close to home and they want to take me there so I can stay close to home,” said Dunham. “They asked me if I wanted to stay close to home and play football, and I said yes. They are looking at me as a defensive athlete. They said they are looking to me for free security and linebacker. They like the way I am built and my resistance. “
Dunham said that although Gamecocks are relatively new to the scheme with him and his recruitment, he expects them to make a strong push.
“I think they’re going to start showing me a lot of love,” said Dunham. “We have been sending text messages and calls. I like the offer. I’m close to home and I like it a lot. My uncle (William Gallman) played basketball at the University of South Carolina. I am a big fan of South Carolina. ”
While Gamecocks like Dunham for defense, he said Coastal Carolina, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Tennessee and Liberty are recruiting him as a defender / athlete for the offensive side. He plans to make his decision after his spring practice and will be one of the first signatories / graduates later this year. He’s not claiming a favorite right now.
Dunham is classified as a three-star potential customer on 247Sports Composite and is ranked as the number 24 double threat quarterback nationally.
Recruitment briefs
► USC offered the 4-star defensive end Marvin Jones Jr. (6-4, 225) from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is the 5th defensive winger on the weak side nationally in 247Sports Composite. His father starred in the FSU and was chosen in the first round of the NFL. Last season, Marvin Jr. made 55 tackles, 14 tackles and 13 lost sacks.
► USC offered 2023 defensive tackle Jaeden Jackson (6-3, 285) from Skippervlle, Alabama. Michigan is also an early offer for him.
► Guard Qae’shon Sapp from Leesburg, Georgia, was named one of the top eight on Sunday in South Carolina, Arkansas, Southern Cal, Cincinnati, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida and the state of Florida.
► USC was in the top 10 with safety Edric Weldon (6-5, 210) from Hallandale, Florida. The others on his list are Clemson, Alabama, State of Arizona, State of Florida, LSU, Miami, Maryland, Virginia Tech and UCF.
► Outer defender Wilson Galvan of Howard (Texas) Junior College has pledged to play USC baseball. He beat 0.341 in 18 games last season.