In-state 4-star DL Xzavier McLeod details decision time
August 02, 20224 -star DL Xzavier McLeod’s 6'4" 324lbs recruitment appears to be nearing an end. The Camden High School four-star defensive lineman said he could announce his college choice “within the next one to weeks” and would like to get it done before the Bulldogs start the season on Aug. 19 at home against Myrtle Beach per The State.
McLeod, a senior, plans to trim his down list to four schools a couple of days before his public commitment. On July 2, he had a final six schools of Florida, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, South Carolina, and Texas A&M.
McLeod also is working on the details of how he wants to make his announcement. “I and my coaches have been discussing. I want to make it as big as possible,” McLeod said. “It is going to be a special day and I want everyone to see where I am going to take my next step in life.” McLeod took official visits to LSU and Texas A&M last month. He took an unofficial visit to South Carolina on Thursday and was in Georgia over the weekend.
On the Gamecocks
He attended the Gamecocks visit with his mother and father. The Gamecocks were the first team to offer him after his freshman season when Will Muschamp was the head coach.
McLeod said they talked with USC coach Shane Beamer, defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey and USC assistant athletic director Chance Miller, who has overseen many of NIL-related changes within the school’s athletic department. “We just sat down and talked about how it could be if I possibly came to South Carolina,” McLeod said. “We talked about how they are going to use me on the defensive line, how I could be a part of helping change the program around.
“I feel like that is pretty good, that I can come in and make a big impact on the program.” If the Gamecocks land McLeod, it would continue a strong stretch for Beamer and Gamecocks staff with in-state prospects in the Class of 2023. The Gamecocks got added a pair of four-star commitments this past weekend first from Sumter defensive lineman Monteque Rhames on Saturday and then Dorman offensive lineman Markee Anderson on Sunday.
“I know coach Beamer is doing a good job with recruiting and some other things as well,” McLeod said. “That did get my attention a little bit knowing some big-time talent is staying in the state. That will help me toward my commitment, but it won’t push me to commit there. There are a bunch of other factors that will stand out that make me commit to the school I pick.” Some of the factors McLeod is considering include coaching staff, players, and the atmosphere. He plans to enroll early at college