Breaking down USC’s signing class: Stars, sleepers and more
02/03/2016
STARS
QB Brandon McIlwain: The two-sport athlete is mature beyond his years and has the talent to be a special player in football and baseball for the Gamecocks. He is the highest ranked player in USC’s class.
WR Bryan Edwards: The Conway native chose South Carolina over Clemson. He has the size (6-3, 208 pounds), speed and ball skills to be a big time playmaker in USC’s offense.
DT Stephon Taylor: The late addition to USC’s class chose the Gamecocks over Florida State and Texas. He has a chance for early playing time in Columbia.
RB Rico Dowdle: Originally from Gaffney, Dowdle was offered by USC late. He put up video-game numbers playing quarterback his senior season and scored two TDs in the Shrine Bowl.
IMMEDIATE HELP
WR Kiel Pollard: The Georgia native originally committed to Arkansas before signing with South Carolina. He was named the 6A Offensive Player of the Year and should contribute early on at a position of need.
CB Jamarcus King: The junior college transfer was set to enroll in January but will now arrive this summer. He is rated as one of the top JUCO corners in the nation and will have a chance play early.
DL Kobe Smith: The former Kentucky commit has the size and speed to play right away for the Gamecocks. He is 6-3, 295 pounds, and Will Muschamp said the Carolina staff was very pleased watching him play.
STEALS
DE Keir Thomas: Originally committed to FSU before de-committing in November. He committed to South Carolina Christmas Day after also considering Arkansas, Miami and Tennessee.
DT Kobe Smith: First committed to N.C. State, then committed to Kentucky before ultimately enrolling at South Carolina in January.
WR Kiel Pollard: Committed to Arkansas in September before flipping to USC just a couple of days before Signing Day. The Gamecocks held off late interest from Auburn, Georgia and Alabama.
WR Randrecous Davis: De-committed from Georgia a few days before Signing Day after committing to the Bulldogs over the summer. Chose USC over Miami.
TE Evan Hinson: Had been committed to Miami since last February before de-committing after the coaching change. He announced for the Gamecocks over Southern Cal on Jan. 27.
DT Aaron Thompson: Announced for the Gamecocks on Signing Day after committing to Maryland in January.
WR Korey Banks: Committed to North Carolina over the summer before receiving late offers from Alabama and Tennessee.
LB TJ Brunson: Richland Northeast linebacker de-committed from Louisville in December and announced for the Gamecocks in January after taking an official visit.
DE Dennis Wonnum: He was a longtime Iowa State commit who originally switched to Indiana before receiving a USC offer.
SLEEPERS
RB CJ Freeman: North Carolina native rushed for more than 2,000 yards as a senior. He was battling back from an injury early on in the season but averaged 265 rushing yards over his final three games.
WR Randrecous Davis: Can help USC in multiple ways whether it’s playing slot, outside receiver or in the return game. Muschamp referred to him as a “special” player as a receiver and returner.
TE Evan Hinson: He needs to add some weight but can grow into a big time playmaker for the Gamecocks. His basketball background will help on the football field.
MISSES
DB Marlon Character: The former USC commit considered the Gamecocks again late before sticking with Auburn.
WR Sam Bruce: A top 100 player in the country, Bruce considered USC after an official visit to Columbia but ended up sticking with Miami.
WR Sam Denmark: The new South Carolina staff tried to get involved with the in-state playmaker before he was set to enroll early, but Denmark stayed committed to Virginia Tech.
BY POSITION
Quarterback 1; Running back 2; Wide receiver 5; Tight end 2; Offensive line 4; Defensive line 7; Linebacker 1; Defensive back 2.
BY STATE
Georgia 6; North Carolina 4; South Carolina 4; Alabama 3; Florida 3; Tennessee 2; Louisiana 1; Pennsylvania 1.
THE STATE
Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-recruiting/article58328768.html#storylink=cpy