2018 early enrollees, most likely commitments
July 25, 2017
Coming in early
A majority of the commitments in the 2018 class are planning to enroll at South Carolina in January.
At last check, SEC Country had the Gamecocks mid-year count at five: Offensive tackle Maxwell Iyama (Murfreesboro, Tenn.), defensive end Tyreek Johnson (Sumter, S.C.), linebacker Ernest Jones IV (Waycross, Ga.), center Hank Manos (Chapin, S.C.) and wide receiver Darius Rush (Greeleyville, S.C.)
Offensive lineman Wyatt Campbell (Lugoff, S.C.), quarterback Dakereon Joyner (North Charleston, S.C.) and R.J. Roderick (Summerville, S.C.) are also set to graduate early from high school.
The three junior college commitments — defensive tackle Dantrell Barkley (Independence C.C.), defensive tackle Jabari Ellis (Georgia Military College) and wide receiver Ronnie Jamison (Highland C.C.) — are projected to be on track for December graduations.
Running back Lavonte Valentine (Melbourne, Fla.) is “working on it now,” when asked about early enrollment. He added, “I have all of my credits. Trying to make it happen.”
There’s no word one way or another on running back Deshaun Fenwick (Bradenton, Fla.), offensive lineman Jesus Gibbs (Dumfries, Va.) and wide receiver Tyquan Johnson (Sylvania, Ga.).
Offensive lineman LaMarius Benson (Covington, Ga.) will not graduate early.
Most likely additions
If SpursUp Surveillance had a 247Sports Crystal Ball to look into, the following 2018 prospects would have one more South Carolina prediction attached to their name:
Tindall plans to announce a commitment before the end of September. Vann, who has a similar timeline, would like to make a decision within the next month or so.
Wonnum has kicked around the idea of a preseason announcement, but he could prolong the process and wait until the fall.
Sandidge is expected to take some official visits in the fall before reaching a conclusion.
O’Neal plans to announce his decision on Aug. 16. Gilmore’s date is set for Sept. 17.
Thompson hopes to reveal a decision on July 30, but it could take a little longer.
South Carolina, by the numbers
All numbers below are based off the Rivals rankings and ratings.
196 — Joyner’s national ranking is the highest among all Gamecocks commitments.
35 — Where South Carolina’s class is ranked nationally.
15 — The total number of 2018 commitments, which does not include Johnson, the lone holdover from last year.
11 — 3-star commitments.
8 — Played high school football in the Palmetto State.
2 — 4-star commitments.
0 — The number of stars next to Jamison’s rating.
July 25, 2017
Coming in early
A majority of the commitments in the 2018 class are planning to enroll at South Carolina in January.
At last check, SEC Country had the Gamecocks mid-year count at five: Offensive tackle Maxwell Iyama (Murfreesboro, Tenn.), defensive end Tyreek Johnson (Sumter, S.C.), linebacker Ernest Jones IV (Waycross, Ga.), center Hank Manos (Chapin, S.C.) and wide receiver Darius Rush (Greeleyville, S.C.)
Offensive lineman Wyatt Campbell (Lugoff, S.C.), quarterback Dakereon Joyner (North Charleston, S.C.) and R.J. Roderick (Summerville, S.C.) are also set to graduate early from high school.
The three junior college commitments — defensive tackle Dantrell Barkley (Independence C.C.), defensive tackle Jabari Ellis (Georgia Military College) and wide receiver Ronnie Jamison (Highland C.C.) — are projected to be on track for December graduations.
Running back Lavonte Valentine (Melbourne, Fla.) is “working on it now,” when asked about early enrollment. He added, “I have all of my credits. Trying to make it happen.”
There’s no word one way or another on running back Deshaun Fenwick (Bradenton, Fla.), offensive lineman Jesus Gibbs (Dumfries, Va.) and wide receiver Tyquan Johnson (Sylvania, Ga.).
Offensive lineman LaMarius Benson (Covington, Ga.) will not graduate early.
Most likely additions
If SpursUp Surveillance had a 247Sports Crystal Ball to look into, the following 2018 prospects would have one more South Carolina prediction attached to their name:
- 4-star OLB Channing Tindall (Columbia, S.C.)
- 4-star WR Josh Vann (Tucker, Ga.)
- 4-star OT Dylan Wonnum (Tucker, Ga.)
- 4-star DT Rick Sandidge (Concord, N.C.)
- 3-star DL Raiqwon O’Neal (Conway, S.C.)
- 3-star CB Steven Gilmore (Rock Hill, S.C.)
- 3-star ATH Bryce Thompson (Irmo, S.C.)
Tindall plans to announce a commitment before the end of September. Vann, who has a similar timeline, would like to make a decision within the next month or so.
Wonnum has kicked around the idea of a preseason announcement, but he could prolong the process and wait until the fall.
Sandidge is expected to take some official visits in the fall before reaching a conclusion.
O’Neal plans to announce his decision on Aug. 16. Gilmore’s date is set for Sept. 17.
Thompson hopes to reveal a decision on July 30, but it could take a little longer.
South Carolina, by the numbers
All numbers below are based off the Rivals rankings and ratings.
196 — Joyner’s national ranking is the highest among all Gamecocks commitments.
35 — Where South Carolina’s class is ranked nationally.
15 — The total number of 2018 commitments, which does not include Johnson, the lone holdover from last year.
11 — 3-star commitments.
8 — Played high school football in the Palmetto State.
2 — 4-star commitments.
0 — The number of stars next to Jamison’s rating.
