Recapping NSD16 in South Carolina
Feb. 4, 2016
One final look before we put the 2016 recruiting class in the books and look forward to the work ahead for the 2017 class.
USC added a pair of quality receivers from the Atlanta area in Korey Banks, a former North Carolina commitment, and Randrecous Davis, who once was committed to Georgia. Banks also had Alabama on his list. The Gamecocks started to recruit him after the new staff came on board and he liked what they showed him right away.
Korey Banks
“The coaches showed major love and came in recruiting me hard,” he said. “It all came down to relationships. I can see myself going their and focusing on academics and getting a chance to play early. I’m going in there to work and see what I can do.”
Davis also strongly considered Miami, right up to the last day, before deciding on the Gamecocks.
“I literally changed my mind every single day,” he said. “I just finally decided to make up my mind yesterday (Tuesday) and just stick with it.”
At USC, Davis will be reunited with his former Georgia recruiter Bryan McClendon who is now the Gamecocks’ receivers coach. He said knowing McClendon was part of the reason he chose USC.
“Playing time, Coach Bryan McClendon came from my high school and it was the best fit for me and my family” Davis said. “They are going to try to use me as they did Pharoh Cooper. I’ll bring speed, toughness and aggressiveness. ”
Randrecous Davis
The Gamecocks also addressed their defensive line needs as well with Stephon Taylor of New Orleans and Aaron Thompson of Ft. Lauderdale. Taylor turned down Texas, Florida State and LSU in favor of Will Muschamp’s new program.
“Coach Muschamp started recruiting me when he was at Florida so I knew that relationship would come around,” Taylor said. “I like the coaching staff that he brought with him, the environment and the experience that I had when I went up there.”
Thompson had been committed to Maryland but after visiting USC last weekend he decommitted and his fondness for the Gamecocks continue to grow.
“It was cool, relaxed, like a chill place, some place I can really focus,” he said. “I feel very confident because these dudes are great coaches and can me me into a great player. They can use my quickness on the inside. I’m a pass rusher. I use my quickness and I spin a lot.” Thompson had 15 sacks last season.
Stephon Taylor
USC missed out on DL Karamo Dioubate of Philadelphia Wednesday night when he opted to stay home and play for Temple.
The Gamecocks finished the day with 24 signees and a national ranking in the mid 20s.
The Gamecocks did not sign committed WR Diondre Champaigne of Fort Dorchester and he will move on to other options according to his coach. And long time commitment OL Lloyd Cushenberry signed with LSU.
USC may or may not be done with the class. The Gamecocks plan to monitor the academic progress of WR Jeriko Morris of Crystal Springs, MS. He signed with Jones JC, MS but USC told him he has a spot with them if he gets qualified this spring or in two years.
The Gamecocks also plan to keep an eye on RB Tyren Jones of Hutchinson JC, KS just in case he gets his academic house in order and can become qualified this summer.
Aaron Thompson
Feb. 4, 2016
One final look before we put the 2016 recruiting class in the books and look forward to the work ahead for the 2017 class.
USC added a pair of quality receivers from the Atlanta area in Korey Banks, a former North Carolina commitment, and Randrecous Davis, who once was committed to Georgia. Banks also had Alabama on his list. The Gamecocks started to recruit him after the new staff came on board and he liked what they showed him right away.
Korey Banks“The coaches showed major love and came in recruiting me hard,” he said. “It all came down to relationships. I can see myself going their and focusing on academics and getting a chance to play early. I’m going in there to work and see what I can do.”
Davis also strongly considered Miami, right up to the last day, before deciding on the Gamecocks.
“I literally changed my mind every single day,” he said. “I just finally decided to make up my mind yesterday (Tuesday) and just stick with it.”
At USC, Davis will be reunited with his former Georgia recruiter Bryan McClendon who is now the Gamecocks’ receivers coach. He said knowing McClendon was part of the reason he chose USC.
“Playing time, Coach Bryan McClendon came from my high school and it was the best fit for me and my family” Davis said. “They are going to try to use me as they did Pharoh Cooper. I’ll bring speed, toughness and aggressiveness. ”
Randrecous DavisThe Gamecocks also addressed their defensive line needs as well with Stephon Taylor of New Orleans and Aaron Thompson of Ft. Lauderdale. Taylor turned down Texas, Florida State and LSU in favor of Will Muschamp’s new program.
“Coach Muschamp started recruiting me when he was at Florida so I knew that relationship would come around,” Taylor said. “I like the coaching staff that he brought with him, the environment and the experience that I had when I went up there.”
Thompson had been committed to Maryland but after visiting USC last weekend he decommitted and his fondness for the Gamecocks continue to grow.
“It was cool, relaxed, like a chill place, some place I can really focus,” he said. “I feel very confident because these dudes are great coaches and can me me into a great player. They can use my quickness on the inside. I’m a pass rusher. I use my quickness and I spin a lot.” Thompson had 15 sacks last season.
Stephon TaylorUSC missed out on DL Karamo Dioubate of Philadelphia Wednesday night when he opted to stay home and play for Temple.
The Gamecocks finished the day with 24 signees and a national ranking in the mid 20s.
The Gamecocks did not sign committed WR Diondre Champaigne of Fort Dorchester and he will move on to other options according to his coach. And long time commitment OL Lloyd Cushenberry signed with LSU.
USC may or may not be done with the class. The Gamecocks plan to monitor the academic progress of WR Jeriko Morris of Crystal Springs, MS. He signed with Jones JC, MS but USC told him he has a spot with them if he gets qualified this spring or in two years.
The Gamecocks also plan to keep an eye on RB Tyren Jones of Hutchinson JC, KS just in case he gets his academic house in order and can become qualified this summer.
Aaron Thompson