Gamecocks have shot with one of nation’s top linebacker prospects
SPORTSTALK / April 8, 2022LB Semaj Bridgeman (6-1 210) of Philadelphia this week named his top eight schools and South Carolina was one of his chosen programs. The others on the short list are Penn State, Rutgers, Jackson State, Oregon, West Virginia, Georgia and Florida. Bridgeman has yet to visit USC, so all he’s learned about the program has come from conversations with recruiter Pete Lembo and defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Clayton White. Bridgeman said those conversations are why he has the Gamecocks on his short list.
“Just the relationship I have with them, the consistent talking and them coming out to see me in my school,” Bridgeman said. “We had a Zoom and I met all the coaches, and my parents met all the coaches. They really liked them and what they’ve got going on over there. So, it’s the communication and the relationship we have built. I still have to get out there, and they’ve been pushing for me to get out there.”
Bridgeman added he’s been highly impressed with Lembo and White from their dealings with him long distance.
“I think they have a lot of knowledge about the school, as they should being that they coach there,” Bridgeman said. “I think they are doing a great job recruiting me and my family. They talk to us every day, and we are learning about the school, the defense, the scheme and stuff beyond football and what else they have to offer.”
Bridgeman said the Gamecock recruiters, like the others who are after him, love that he can play several spots in and around the second level and can go make a tackle in the open field.
“The ability to play in space,” Bridgeman said. “They like my versatility on my film to be able to play inside and outside. They (high school coaches) move me around from inside the box to the Sam backer outside, coming off the edge and blitzing.”
Bridgeman’s most recent visits were to Rutgers and Penn State. He does not have any others scheduled at this point.