Gamecocks go back to DeMatha for big offer
SPORTSTALK / March 17, 2022
A few years ago, USC recruited running back Marshawn Lloyd out of famed DeMatha High in Hyattsville, MD. Famed for its nationally recognized basketball program, the Stags also produce high-level football talent. One in the 2023 class is OT Oluwatosin Babalade (6-5 304) who Wednesday landed an offer from Gamecocks’ offensive line coach Greg Adkins.“We talked about two weeks ago and he said he would be in contact,” Babalade said. “He said he really liked the way I moved. My film was great. He wants me to come to the school, to commit. He loves my size and how I can move, and he feels he can develop me to a better level.”
Babalade’s nickname is “tree,” but he’s not anchored to the ground. Adkins, and other recruiters, apparently love the way he moves for a man his size.
“Footwork. Size. He asked about my weight,” Babalade said. “I was 310, and he was like, wow, you can move all that weight. I told him I plan on going back to 305 or 300, and he was like, that’s OK.”
Babalade has not visited USC, but he plans to do so soon. Most of his exposure to the Gamecocks came when Lloyd made his commitment to them.
“When he committed there, I searched them out to see who he committed to,” Babalade said. “I was happy for him. He was like a leader. I just looked up to him.”
Babalade visited North Carolina two weeks ago. He plans to visit Pitt this week and Rutgers on March 26th. He also might visit Boston College. Some of his other offers include Miami, West Virginia, Syracuse, Duke, Vanderbilt, Connecticut, Ole Miss, and East Carolina. He does not have favorites and would like to make a commitment before his season if he can.
Other Notes:
Per Hale McGranahan of TheBigSpur, transfer WR Corey Rucker plans to take an official visit to USC Monday. Rucker has drawn substantial P5 interest since entering the Portal following a breakout season at Arkansas State of 59-826-9.