Less than a week until signing day
Jan. 28, 2016
In a true East-West battle, South Carolina got the nod over Southern Cal for TE Evan Hinson (6-5 210) of Deltona, FL Wednesday morning. Hinson committed to Gamecock coach Will Muschamp during a visit with the coach at his school. Hinson’s only two official visits were to Columbia and Los Angeles and while he enjoyed both equally, the distance factor was big to him and the Gamecocks’ proximity worked in their favor. Plus, Evans said after his USC visit earlier this month he liked several things about the program. “I have a good relationship with my tight end coach and Coach Muschamp,” he said. “I liked how I was comfortable with the players and how I can fit in with that. They are an SEC school and they are competitive in the conference.” Hinson is a prospect USC didn’t move on until Muschamp was hired. He once was committed to Miami and also had offers from Florida and South Florida and interest from Tennessee. Hinson is a two sport athlete who also excels in basketball and could see some time with Frank Martin’s program as well. He gives the Gamecocks 23 newcomers for the 2016 roster.
USC added two more commitments to its 2106 class Sunday landing a former Alabama Crimson Tide running back who rebuilt his career after a season in junior college and a defensive end from Georgia who made USC his third commitment of the recruiting campaign and second of the week.
RB Tyren Jones (5-9 215) of Hutchinson JC, KS began his college football career in the SEC at Alabama and he will end it at USC. The Marietta, GA native Sunday committed to the Gamecocks at the conclusion of his official visit. USC was the only official visit he took though he visited Auburn unofficially for the Iron Bowl. “Everything fit me with them as far as coming in and playing,” Jones said. “I have a good relationship with the coaches and the system itself and the opportunity for me, I love it, I loved everything.” Jones was a highly recruited back of out of high school but ran into disciplinary issues at Alabama that led to his dismissal from the team. He landed at Hutchinson last summer and resurrected his career. Playing in a crowded backfield, he rushed for 655 yards and 5 touchdowns and averaged 6.2 yards per carry. “I’ll have a role coming in and they asked me if I’m ready to get the ball 20-30 times a game. Just knowing me and what I bring to the table, I’ll do what I can do and try to help us win a national championship.” Jones is the 3rd running back commitment in the 2016 class for USC.
USC hopes the third time’s the charm for DE Dennis Wonnum (6-4 232) of Stone Mountain, GA. After committing to and decommitting from Iowa State and Indiana, Wonnum committed to USC Sunday while on his official visit. Wonnum just committed to Indiana earlier in the week after taking an official visit there last weekend. He said after that visit he was set but USC offered him earlier this week and recruiter Bryan McClendon was able to get him in for a visit this weekend. Wonnum also had offers from Cincinnati, Kent State, Colorado State, Memphis, Nebraska, South Florida and California among others. Last season he had 38 tackles with 11 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
OL John Simpson of Fort Dorchester came up short Wednesday night in his attempt to win his 100th career wrestling match, and USC came up short in its attempt to lure him to campus this weekend for an official visit. Patriots’ coach Steve LaPrad said Wednesday night Simpson will choose either Clemson, Florida or LSU next week and won’t visit USC or Alabama this weekend. The Gamecocks sent several of their coaches to Fort Dorchester Wednesday in a last ditch effort to convince him to visit them this weekend. But LaPrad said despite the presence of holdover offensive line coach Shawn Elliott with whom Simpson has a strong relationship, his star player couldn’t get past dealing with a new staff at USC. “He’s not going to go this weekend so he’s done with the Gamecocks, not one of his top picks,” LaPrad said. “I’m sure the changeover and everything had something to with it. He likes the Gamecocks, they’re a good bunch and a great coaching staff and I think they are going to do great things in the future. I just think they got him a little late.”
Two long time USC commitments dating back to the Steve Spurrier staff were confirmed Monday as not planning to sign with the Gamecocks a week from Wednesday. The coach of linebacker Jacorey Morris of Grove Hill, AL said his player would not be joining the USC program and WR Tre Jackson of Baton Route used Twitter to announce a decommitment from the Gamecocks.
USC and Miami are the final two for WR Randrecous Davis of Atlanta. The former Georgia commitment visited Miami last weekend where he reunited with Mark Richt, the former coach at Georgia who took his commitment. This weekend he’ll hang out with new Gamecock receivers coach Bryan McClendon who recruited him well enough when he was employed by Georgia to land a commitment for the Bulldogs. “It’s hard, it’s hard,” Davis said of choosing between the Hurricanes and Gamecocks, between Richt and McClendon. “It’s very difficult. I like both of them equally.” As for the schools, having been to Miami he has a feel for the program and the city, but not so much yet for USC. “I like everything about Miami,” he said. “What stands out is the area, and it’s different. I don’t know what to expect on my South Carolina visit. Coach BMac said I should fit in and to come and play early.” Davis said when he gets down to making the decision on National Signing Day he will rely on “my gut feeling and what feels like home.” He does not have a time yet for his announcement. Davis said his mother, uncle and sister will join him on the visit to USC this weekend.
WR Javon Wims (6-4 215) of Hinds JC, MS is a Georgia commitment who was recruited for the Bulldogs by then receivers coach Bryan McClendon. McClendon is now at USC and tried this past weekend to convince Wims that USC is every bit as good a place as Georgia. Wims took his official visit to USC over the weekend and will go to Georgia this weekend. He’s also been to Miami and UAB. Last season Wims, a native of Jacksonville, FL, had 47 catches for 779 yards and 9 touchdowns. He actually played one season at Belhaven University under Hal Mumme before transferring to the junior college.
WR Sam Bruce of Ft. Lauderdale reaffirmed his commitment to Miami earlier in the week. USC was one of the schools he visited.
QB Steven Duncan of Ashley Ridge had planned to visit Western Kentucky, where he is committed, this past weekend but the weather delayed that trip. So he came to Columbia for an official visit with the Gamecocks. Gamecock quarterbacks coach Kurt Roper has met twice with Duncan but had not offered as of the start of the visit. Asked after his visit if USC had offered, Duncan replied, “I have no comment on that.” Duncan left USC to hop a plane for his official visit to Western Kentucky. He is one of at least two quarterbacks Roper has checked into. He also visited last week with Tylin Oden of Columbia, TN. Oden has not taken any officials yet but may go to Rutgers next weekend.
TE Hank Tuipulotu of Nation Ford did not visit BYU this past weekend due to flights cancelled here. He plans to visit there this weekend. He has been committed to the Cougars since last summer but he visited USC last weekend and has an offer from the Gamecocks. He said he's not talked with the Gamecocks since his official visit.
DL Karamo Dioubate of Philadelphia took an official visit to Michigan State Wednesday and Thursday and reportedly will visit USC Friday. He visited Temple the weekend before last. USC recruiter Lance Thompson visited Dioubate earlier in the week. “He’s been recruiting me for a long time now,” Dioubate said adding that Thompson first starting recruiting him while at Auburn and he took an official visit there in December. The former Penn State commitment also has an offer from Ohio State and has been considering the Buckeyes. He said he has not narrowed his list at this point from those five schools highest on his list…USC, Penn State, Michigan State, Temple and Ohio State.
USC target DB Marlon Character, who has been committed to Auburn, visited Auburn over the weekend and remains committed to the Tigers at this point. He does plan to visit Virginia Tech this weekend.
WR Korey Banks (6-0 170) of Tyrone, GA is a North Carolina commitment and has taken official visits to Chapel Hill and Alabama. He is slated to see USC this weekend. Last week USC coach Will Muschamp made his in home visit along with assistant Bryan McClendon. “I have a very high interest (in USC),” Banks said. “I have a good relationship with coach BMac. I’m building one with Coach Muschamp so you know I have a very high interest. They said they need a lot more explosive guys, guys that can separate and I fit the role.” Banks said his commitment to the Tar Heels remains “still about the same, still 100%.” However, he wants to take all of his official visits before making a final decision.
Muschamp and defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson met last week with DE Jacoby Hill (6-3 220) of Atlanta. Muschamp offered Hill soon after taking the Gamecocks’ job and Hill has had USC at the top of his list since then. “I actually tried to commit when I first received the offer but they wanted me to wait until I come up to the visit the school,” Hill said. “Coach Muschamp said he didn’t want me to commit until I visited the school. It was my first big SEC offer. Going into my junior season, I sat down with my coaches and talked about which schools I would go to automatically if I got their offer and South Carolina was one of them.” Hill further explained why he likes the Gamecocks. “My idol (Jadeveon Clowney) went there and I pretty much like what they have going on,” he said. “It’s an SEC school, a Power Five school and very good competition.” Hill visited Indiana over the weekend and has also been to Memphis. Hill is scheduled to visit USC this weekend. He had 24 sacks over the past two seasons along with 147 tackles.
WR Kiel Pollard of Moultrie, GA is deciding between USC and Arkansas and has set Sunday for his decision day. His Arkansas recruiter was in on Monday and Kurt Roper and Bryan McClendon from USC were in on Wednesday. Both head coaches have had their in home visits. “I really don’t know, I’ll let ya’ll know Sunday,” said Pollard who plans to put his decision on Twitter at an unspecified time. “I don’t know what will make the difference. I enjoyed the visits equally. Arkansas is saying to come into a program that runs a similar offense to what we run and prepare for the league (NFL). South Carolina is saying come in and start and play early.” Pollard was the 6A Offensive Player of the Year in Georgia last season. As a receiver he had 76 catches for 1163 yards and 18 touchdowns.
RB Justin Crawford (6-0 198) of Northwest Mississippi CC was scheduled to visit USC this weekend but the Gamecocks pulled off after getting the Jones’ commitment giving them three running backs in the class. Crawford will visit West Virginia this weekend.
Muschamp along with assistants Travaris Robinson and Lance Thompson last week met with New Orleans DL Stephon Taylor. He has been to Texas and Florida State and is scheduled to visit USC this weekend. Taylor does not claim a favorite but one thing is clear, he really likes Muschamp, Robinson and Thompson. “I have a great relationship with the coaching staff,” Taylor said. “Coach Muschamp has been recruiting me for a long time. Like I’ve been telling him, I’d like to play for him. If I adapt to it, that will be the place I will be at, if it has what I need and want, and what my parents want.” Taylor said his relationship with Muschamp and the others dates back to their coaching days at Auburn and Florida. “Coach Muschamp and Coach Thompson, I’m very familiar with them, and Coach T-Rob,” he said. “Their plans for me are they want me up there to be ready to train and come in and play as a true freshman. I could play all across the line.” Taylor did not want to identify a favorite but said if everything goes well on the visit USC “will be in my top three, but I’m not going to say I’m going to commit.” Taylor plans to wait until Signing Day on his decision.
Shrine Bowl ATH Yafari Werts of Newberry made an official visit to USC last weekend. He would have liked for the Gamecocks to offer him then so he could have clarity from their standpoint, but Muschamp wasn’t ready to do so. Werts is committed to Georgia Southern and will visit North Carolina this weekend, but an offer from the Gamecocks could be a game changer for him. “I liked it, I got a good vibe from the coaches,” Werts said. “My mom liked it, especially it being close to home. I talked a lot to Coach Elliott and Coach McClendon and T-Rob (Travaris Robinson). Coach Muschamp said he has to honor some of the other scholarships of the past staff.” A USC offer would be exciting for Werts but he doesn’t think he would jump right up and commit. “That’s the thing, I might give it a day or two to think it over,” he said. “I don’t want to be just another guy on the roster. I’m willing to redshirt, but I want the ball in my hands. If that’s not something they see in me, then Carolina’s not the place for me.” Werts said he remains committed to Georgia Southern.
DB Daniel Thomas of Montgomery, AL went on an official to North Carolina Sunday. Thomas has visited USC and will visit Auburn this weekend.
Per his coach, USC remains an option for DE Cecil Stallings of Tucker, GA who has been a commitment. Coach Bryan Lamar said he will know more later in the week. Stallings has visited Mississippi State and could visit USC this weekend if things work out. Ole Miss also has been involved.
One of the top defensive players in Georgia has been one of the most overlooked, except by USC. DE Mykelle McDaniel of powerhouse Grayson High School in Loganville, GA is considered by his coach to be, on all accounts, an outstanding defensive prospect. He had 60 tackles and 5.5 sacks. McDaniel has long favored the Gamecocks and this weekend, according to his mother, he might consummate the deal with Will Muschamp. The Gamecocks were in to see McDaniel last week. “He is very much interested in them,” said McDaniel’s mother Shawnte-Amoure Simmons. “He wants to be the one to let that (commitment) out but I’ll just says South Carolina is very possible. They have been his top choice for awhile.” McDaniel has visited USC for a game in the past and for an unofficial visit. He’s also been to Clemson, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi State and Maryland unofficially. “It’s very possible he will commit this weekend,” Ms. Simmons said.
USC commitment OL Pete Leota of Asheville has shut down his recruiting and will not take any more visits. He took his official visit to USC January 15th. "My decision to South Carolina is final," he said. "Loved coach Muschamp and his staff, family loved him and I decided it's best if I don't take any visits." He had been looking at Wake Forest, North Carolina, East Carolina and Virginia Tech for possible visits.
DE Tyreic Martin of Valley, AL took an official visit to Jacksonville State last weekend. He has been to USC and will visit Miami this weekend. Martin said USC has been keeping in touch over the phone. He said USC has told him he’s still wanted and he’s still interested. He doesn’t have a favorite and could have a decision the Monday after the Miami visit.
DE Jordan Woods of Citra, FL was scheduled to visit USC this weekend but he committed to Georgia Tech earlier in the week.
Former USC commitment DB JJ Givens of Mechanicsville, VA committed to NC State Wednesday.
USC last week offered 2017 WR Leroy Henley (6-2 175) of Ft. Lauderdale, 2017 DL Emmanuel McNeil of Lawrenceville, GA. and 2017 LB Jaden Hunter of Atlanta.
2017 DE Logan Rudolph of Northwestern will visit USC January 30th to meet with the coaches and take in the basketball game. He was offered by Miami last week.
2018 QB Kereon Joyner of Fort Dorchester visited USC over the weekend unofficially.
Baseball News
USC picked up a commitment Monday night from 2017 INF Blake Jeter of JL Mann.
South Carolina football commitments (1/28/16)
FIRST NAME
LAST NAME
P
SIZE
CITY
ST
RANDRECOUS
DAVIS
WR
6-1 185
ATLANTA
GA
KARAMO
DIOUBATE
DL
6-4 285
PHILADELPHIA
PA
MYKELLE
MCDANIEL
DE
6-4 255
LOGANVILLE
GA
KOREY
BANKS
WR
6-0 170
TYRONE
GA
JACOBY
HILL
DE
6-3 220
ATLANTA
GA
LLOYD
CUSHENBERRY
OL
6-3 310
GEISMAR
LA
STEPHON
TAYLOR
DL
6-5 292
NEW ORLEANS
LA
DIONDRE
CHAMPAIGNE
WR
6-3 175
FORT DORCHESTER
SC
S & F
Jan. 28, 2016
In a true East-West battle, South Carolina got the nod over Southern Cal for TE Evan Hinson (6-5 210) of Deltona, FL Wednesday morning. Hinson committed to Gamecock coach Will Muschamp during a visit with the coach at his school. Hinson’s only two official visits were to Columbia and Los Angeles and while he enjoyed both equally, the distance factor was big to him and the Gamecocks’ proximity worked in their favor. Plus, Evans said after his USC visit earlier this month he liked several things about the program. “I have a good relationship with my tight end coach and Coach Muschamp,” he said. “I liked how I was comfortable with the players and how I can fit in with that. They are an SEC school and they are competitive in the conference.” Hinson is a prospect USC didn’t move on until Muschamp was hired. He once was committed to Miami and also had offers from Florida and South Florida and interest from Tennessee. Hinson is a two sport athlete who also excels in basketball and could see some time with Frank Martin’s program as well. He gives the Gamecocks 23 newcomers for the 2016 roster.
USC added two more commitments to its 2106 class Sunday landing a former Alabama Crimson Tide running back who rebuilt his career after a season in junior college and a defensive end from Georgia who made USC his third commitment of the recruiting campaign and second of the week.
RB Tyren Jones (5-9 215) of Hutchinson JC, KS began his college football career in the SEC at Alabama and he will end it at USC. The Marietta, GA native Sunday committed to the Gamecocks at the conclusion of his official visit. USC was the only official visit he took though he visited Auburn unofficially for the Iron Bowl. “Everything fit me with them as far as coming in and playing,” Jones said. “I have a good relationship with the coaches and the system itself and the opportunity for me, I love it, I loved everything.” Jones was a highly recruited back of out of high school but ran into disciplinary issues at Alabama that led to his dismissal from the team. He landed at Hutchinson last summer and resurrected his career. Playing in a crowded backfield, he rushed for 655 yards and 5 touchdowns and averaged 6.2 yards per carry. “I’ll have a role coming in and they asked me if I’m ready to get the ball 20-30 times a game. Just knowing me and what I bring to the table, I’ll do what I can do and try to help us win a national championship.” Jones is the 3rd running back commitment in the 2016 class for USC.
USC hopes the third time’s the charm for DE Dennis Wonnum (6-4 232) of Stone Mountain, GA. After committing to and decommitting from Iowa State and Indiana, Wonnum committed to USC Sunday while on his official visit. Wonnum just committed to Indiana earlier in the week after taking an official visit there last weekend. He said after that visit he was set but USC offered him earlier this week and recruiter Bryan McClendon was able to get him in for a visit this weekend. Wonnum also had offers from Cincinnati, Kent State, Colorado State, Memphis, Nebraska, South Florida and California among others. Last season he had 38 tackles with 11 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
OL John Simpson of Fort Dorchester came up short Wednesday night in his attempt to win his 100th career wrestling match, and USC came up short in its attempt to lure him to campus this weekend for an official visit. Patriots’ coach Steve LaPrad said Wednesday night Simpson will choose either Clemson, Florida or LSU next week and won’t visit USC or Alabama this weekend. The Gamecocks sent several of their coaches to Fort Dorchester Wednesday in a last ditch effort to convince him to visit them this weekend. But LaPrad said despite the presence of holdover offensive line coach Shawn Elliott with whom Simpson has a strong relationship, his star player couldn’t get past dealing with a new staff at USC. “He’s not going to go this weekend so he’s done with the Gamecocks, not one of his top picks,” LaPrad said. “I’m sure the changeover and everything had something to with it. He likes the Gamecocks, they’re a good bunch and a great coaching staff and I think they are going to do great things in the future. I just think they got him a little late.”
Two long time USC commitments dating back to the Steve Spurrier staff were confirmed Monday as not planning to sign with the Gamecocks a week from Wednesday. The coach of linebacker Jacorey Morris of Grove Hill, AL said his player would not be joining the USC program and WR Tre Jackson of Baton Route used Twitter to announce a decommitment from the Gamecocks.
USC and Miami are the final two for WR Randrecous Davis of Atlanta. The former Georgia commitment visited Miami last weekend where he reunited with Mark Richt, the former coach at Georgia who took his commitment. This weekend he’ll hang out with new Gamecock receivers coach Bryan McClendon who recruited him well enough when he was employed by Georgia to land a commitment for the Bulldogs. “It’s hard, it’s hard,” Davis said of choosing between the Hurricanes and Gamecocks, between Richt and McClendon. “It’s very difficult. I like both of them equally.” As for the schools, having been to Miami he has a feel for the program and the city, but not so much yet for USC. “I like everything about Miami,” he said. “What stands out is the area, and it’s different. I don’t know what to expect on my South Carolina visit. Coach BMac said I should fit in and to come and play early.” Davis said when he gets down to making the decision on National Signing Day he will rely on “my gut feeling and what feels like home.” He does not have a time yet for his announcement. Davis said his mother, uncle and sister will join him on the visit to USC this weekend.
WR Javon Wims (6-4 215) of Hinds JC, MS is a Georgia commitment who was recruited for the Bulldogs by then receivers coach Bryan McClendon. McClendon is now at USC and tried this past weekend to convince Wims that USC is every bit as good a place as Georgia. Wims took his official visit to USC over the weekend and will go to Georgia this weekend. He’s also been to Miami and UAB. Last season Wims, a native of Jacksonville, FL, had 47 catches for 779 yards and 9 touchdowns. He actually played one season at Belhaven University under Hal Mumme before transferring to the junior college.
WR Sam Bruce of Ft. Lauderdale reaffirmed his commitment to Miami earlier in the week. USC was one of the schools he visited.
QB Steven Duncan of Ashley Ridge had planned to visit Western Kentucky, where he is committed, this past weekend but the weather delayed that trip. So he came to Columbia for an official visit with the Gamecocks. Gamecock quarterbacks coach Kurt Roper has met twice with Duncan but had not offered as of the start of the visit. Asked after his visit if USC had offered, Duncan replied, “I have no comment on that.” Duncan left USC to hop a plane for his official visit to Western Kentucky. He is one of at least two quarterbacks Roper has checked into. He also visited last week with Tylin Oden of Columbia, TN. Oden has not taken any officials yet but may go to Rutgers next weekend.
TE Hank Tuipulotu of Nation Ford did not visit BYU this past weekend due to flights cancelled here. He plans to visit there this weekend. He has been committed to the Cougars since last summer but he visited USC last weekend and has an offer from the Gamecocks. He said he's not talked with the Gamecocks since his official visit.
DL Karamo Dioubate of Philadelphia took an official visit to Michigan State Wednesday and Thursday and reportedly will visit USC Friday. He visited Temple the weekend before last. USC recruiter Lance Thompson visited Dioubate earlier in the week. “He’s been recruiting me for a long time now,” Dioubate said adding that Thompson first starting recruiting him while at Auburn and he took an official visit there in December. The former Penn State commitment also has an offer from Ohio State and has been considering the Buckeyes. He said he has not narrowed his list at this point from those five schools highest on his list…USC, Penn State, Michigan State, Temple and Ohio State.
USC target DB Marlon Character, who has been committed to Auburn, visited Auburn over the weekend and remains committed to the Tigers at this point. He does plan to visit Virginia Tech this weekend.
WR Korey Banks (6-0 170) of Tyrone, GA is a North Carolina commitment and has taken official visits to Chapel Hill and Alabama. He is slated to see USC this weekend. Last week USC coach Will Muschamp made his in home visit along with assistant Bryan McClendon. “I have a very high interest (in USC),” Banks said. “I have a good relationship with coach BMac. I’m building one with Coach Muschamp so you know I have a very high interest. They said they need a lot more explosive guys, guys that can separate and I fit the role.” Banks said his commitment to the Tar Heels remains “still about the same, still 100%.” However, he wants to take all of his official visits before making a final decision.
Muschamp and defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson met last week with DE Jacoby Hill (6-3 220) of Atlanta. Muschamp offered Hill soon after taking the Gamecocks’ job and Hill has had USC at the top of his list since then. “I actually tried to commit when I first received the offer but they wanted me to wait until I come up to the visit the school,” Hill said. “Coach Muschamp said he didn’t want me to commit until I visited the school. It was my first big SEC offer. Going into my junior season, I sat down with my coaches and talked about which schools I would go to automatically if I got their offer and South Carolina was one of them.” Hill further explained why he likes the Gamecocks. “My idol (Jadeveon Clowney) went there and I pretty much like what they have going on,” he said. “It’s an SEC school, a Power Five school and very good competition.” Hill visited Indiana over the weekend and has also been to Memphis. Hill is scheduled to visit USC this weekend. He had 24 sacks over the past two seasons along with 147 tackles.
WR Kiel Pollard of Moultrie, GA is deciding between USC and Arkansas and has set Sunday for his decision day. His Arkansas recruiter was in on Monday and Kurt Roper and Bryan McClendon from USC were in on Wednesday. Both head coaches have had their in home visits. “I really don’t know, I’ll let ya’ll know Sunday,” said Pollard who plans to put his decision on Twitter at an unspecified time. “I don’t know what will make the difference. I enjoyed the visits equally. Arkansas is saying to come into a program that runs a similar offense to what we run and prepare for the league (NFL). South Carolina is saying come in and start and play early.” Pollard was the 6A Offensive Player of the Year in Georgia last season. As a receiver he had 76 catches for 1163 yards and 18 touchdowns.
RB Justin Crawford (6-0 198) of Northwest Mississippi CC was scheduled to visit USC this weekend but the Gamecocks pulled off after getting the Jones’ commitment giving them three running backs in the class. Crawford will visit West Virginia this weekend.
Muschamp along with assistants Travaris Robinson and Lance Thompson last week met with New Orleans DL Stephon Taylor. He has been to Texas and Florida State and is scheduled to visit USC this weekend. Taylor does not claim a favorite but one thing is clear, he really likes Muschamp, Robinson and Thompson. “I have a great relationship with the coaching staff,” Taylor said. “Coach Muschamp has been recruiting me for a long time. Like I’ve been telling him, I’d like to play for him. If I adapt to it, that will be the place I will be at, if it has what I need and want, and what my parents want.” Taylor said his relationship with Muschamp and the others dates back to their coaching days at Auburn and Florida. “Coach Muschamp and Coach Thompson, I’m very familiar with them, and Coach T-Rob,” he said. “Their plans for me are they want me up there to be ready to train and come in and play as a true freshman. I could play all across the line.” Taylor did not want to identify a favorite but said if everything goes well on the visit USC “will be in my top three, but I’m not going to say I’m going to commit.” Taylor plans to wait until Signing Day on his decision.
Shrine Bowl ATH Yafari Werts of Newberry made an official visit to USC last weekend. He would have liked for the Gamecocks to offer him then so he could have clarity from their standpoint, but Muschamp wasn’t ready to do so. Werts is committed to Georgia Southern and will visit North Carolina this weekend, but an offer from the Gamecocks could be a game changer for him. “I liked it, I got a good vibe from the coaches,” Werts said. “My mom liked it, especially it being close to home. I talked a lot to Coach Elliott and Coach McClendon and T-Rob (Travaris Robinson). Coach Muschamp said he has to honor some of the other scholarships of the past staff.” A USC offer would be exciting for Werts but he doesn’t think he would jump right up and commit. “That’s the thing, I might give it a day or two to think it over,” he said. “I don’t want to be just another guy on the roster. I’m willing to redshirt, but I want the ball in my hands. If that’s not something they see in me, then Carolina’s not the place for me.” Werts said he remains committed to Georgia Southern.
DB Daniel Thomas of Montgomery, AL went on an official to North Carolina Sunday. Thomas has visited USC and will visit Auburn this weekend.
Per his coach, USC remains an option for DE Cecil Stallings of Tucker, GA who has been a commitment. Coach Bryan Lamar said he will know more later in the week. Stallings has visited Mississippi State and could visit USC this weekend if things work out. Ole Miss also has been involved.
One of the top defensive players in Georgia has been one of the most overlooked, except by USC. DE Mykelle McDaniel of powerhouse Grayson High School in Loganville, GA is considered by his coach to be, on all accounts, an outstanding defensive prospect. He had 60 tackles and 5.5 sacks. McDaniel has long favored the Gamecocks and this weekend, according to his mother, he might consummate the deal with Will Muschamp. The Gamecocks were in to see McDaniel last week. “He is very much interested in them,” said McDaniel’s mother Shawnte-Amoure Simmons. “He wants to be the one to let that (commitment) out but I’ll just says South Carolina is very possible. They have been his top choice for awhile.” McDaniel has visited USC for a game in the past and for an unofficial visit. He’s also been to Clemson, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi State and Maryland unofficially. “It’s very possible he will commit this weekend,” Ms. Simmons said.
USC commitment OL Pete Leota of Asheville has shut down his recruiting and will not take any more visits. He took his official visit to USC January 15th. "My decision to South Carolina is final," he said. "Loved coach Muschamp and his staff, family loved him and I decided it's best if I don't take any visits." He had been looking at Wake Forest, North Carolina, East Carolina and Virginia Tech for possible visits.
DE Tyreic Martin of Valley, AL took an official visit to Jacksonville State last weekend. He has been to USC and will visit Miami this weekend. Martin said USC has been keeping in touch over the phone. He said USC has told him he’s still wanted and he’s still interested. He doesn’t have a favorite and could have a decision the Monday after the Miami visit.
DE Jordan Woods of Citra, FL was scheduled to visit USC this weekend but he committed to Georgia Tech earlier in the week.
Former USC commitment DB JJ Givens of Mechanicsville, VA committed to NC State Wednesday.
USC last week offered 2017 WR Leroy Henley (6-2 175) of Ft. Lauderdale, 2017 DL Emmanuel McNeil of Lawrenceville, GA. and 2017 LB Jaden Hunter of Atlanta.
2017 DE Logan Rudolph of Northwestern will visit USC January 30th to meet with the coaches and take in the basketball game. He was offered by Miami last week.
2018 QB Kereon Joyner of Fort Dorchester visited USC over the weekend unofficially.
Baseball News
USC picked up a commitment Monday night from 2017 INF Blake Jeter of JL Mann.
South Carolina football commitments (1/28/16)
- CHRIS SMITH DB 5-11 180 SOUTH POINTE
- JAMARCUS KING DB 6-1 180 COFFEYVILLE JC, KS
- CECIL STALLINGS DE 6-5 250 TUCKER, GA
- GRIFFIN GRENTRY DE 6-2 260 HOMEWOOD, AL
- SADARIUS HUTCHERSON DE 6-6 250 HUNTINGDON, TN
- KEIR THOMAS DE 6-2 240 MIAMI
- DENNIS WONNUM DE 6-4 225 STONE MOUNTAIN, GA
- TJ BRUNSON LB 6-1 220 RICHLAND NORTHEAST
- WILL PUTNAM OL 6-5 270 HARRISBURG, NC
- AKEEM COOPERWOOD OL 6-7 325 GEORGIA MILITARY JC
- LLOYD CUSHENBERRY OL 6-3 310 GEISMAR, LA
- PETE LEOTA OL 6-5 307 ASHEVILLE, NC
- BRANDON MCILWAIN QB 6-0 205 NEWTOWN, PA
- CJ FREEMAN RB 5-11 195 GREENSBORO, NC
- TYREN JONES RB 5-9 215 HUTCHINSON JC, KS
- RICO DOWDLE RB 6-1 190 ASHEVILLE, NC
- ROBERT TUCKER TE 6-3 240 ATLANTA
- EVAN HINSON TE 6-5 210 DELTONA, FL
- BRYAN EDWARDS WR 6-3 208 CONWAY
- CHAVIS DAWKINS WR 6-2 195 BYRNES
- DIONDRE CHAMPAIGNE WR 6-3 175 FORT DORCHESTER
- DARIUS WHITFIELD DL 6-3 285 MOBILE, AL
- KOBE SMITH DL 6-4 295 LAWRENCEVILLE, GA
FIRST NAME
LAST NAME
P
SIZE
CITY
ST
RANDRECOUS
DAVIS
WR
6-1 185
ATLANTA
GA
KARAMO
DIOUBATE
DL
6-4 285
PHILADELPHIA
PA
MYKELLE
MCDANIEL
DE
6-4 255
LOGANVILLE
GA
KOREY
BANKS
WR
6-0 170
TYRONE
GA
JACOBY
HILL
DE
6-3 220
ATLANTA
GA
LLOYD
CUSHENBERRY
OL
6-3 310
GEISMAR
LA
STEPHON
TAYLOR
DL
6-5 292
NEW ORLEANS
LA
DIONDRE
CHAMPAIGNE
WR
6-3 175
FORT DORCHESTER
SC
S & F
