Recruiting Notes For July 07: Gerald opts for Tennessee; Smith looking around after decommitting from Florida
Florence native Dorian Gerald, who at one time appeared headed to USC, announced today a commitment to Tennessee. Gerald attends College of the Canyons JC in California and has developed into one of the top defensive end prospects for the 2018 class rolling up 12 sacks last season. He went from no offers as a high school senior in 2015, despite playing the Touchstone Energy North-South Game, to multiple offers this spring. He had a top five of USC, Tennessee, Louisville, Florida and LSU. Gerald made multiple visits to USC since the Gamecocks offered including one in early June. He followed up that visit with one to Tennessee and from that point on the Vols worked their way to the top. His decision is a major blow to Will Muschamp who has repeatedly stated the need for pass rushers on his defense. Muschamp also missed on another quality pass rusher and Florence native DE Xavier Thomas of IMG Academy in Florida who committed to Clemson in April.
DB CJ Smith of West Palm Beach, FL decommitted from Florida Thursday and is waiting to see which schools jump in on him for round two of his recruiting. He has a USC offer and expects to hear again from the Gamecocks. He’s also like Clemson to get involve and make him an offer. Smith said he’s heard from Oklahoma, Baylor, North Carolina, Louisville and Kentucky since going back on the market. He said he will reach out to USC’s Travaris Robinson if he doesn’t contact him first. Smith said he will set up some official visits and USC and Clemson would be possibilities if they show the interest. Smith said he decommitted from Florida because of the large number of defensive backs the Gators are bringing in to their program.
USC target DB Trey Dean of Hampton, GA was offered by Oklahoma.
QB Carter Bradley of Jacksonville, FL had planned to attend USC’s camp July 21st but a schedule conflict will keep him away. He remains interested in the Gamecocks but they have not offered. “I really liked Coach Roper when he evaluated me at Providence School. I’m a long time fan of Coach Muschamp, too. I’m hoping to attend a game in Columbia in the Fall.
Florence native Dorian Gerald, who at one time appeared headed to USC, announced today a commitment to Tennessee. Gerald attends College of the Canyons JC in California and has developed into one of the top defensive end prospects for the 2018 class rolling up 12 sacks last season. He went from no offers as a high school senior in 2015, despite playing the Touchstone Energy North-South Game, to multiple offers this spring. He had a top five of USC, Tennessee, Louisville, Florida and LSU. Gerald made multiple visits to USC since the Gamecocks offered including one in early June. He followed up that visit with one to Tennessee and from that point on the Vols worked their way to the top. His decision is a major blow to Will Muschamp who has repeatedly stated the need for pass rushers on his defense. Muschamp also missed on another quality pass rusher and Florence native DE Xavier Thomas of IMG Academy in Florida who committed to Clemson in April.
DB CJ Smith of West Palm Beach, FL decommitted from Florida Thursday and is waiting to see which schools jump in on him for round two of his recruiting. He has a USC offer and expects to hear again from the Gamecocks. He’s also like Clemson to get involve and make him an offer. Smith said he’s heard from Oklahoma, Baylor, North Carolina, Louisville and Kentucky since going back on the market. He said he will reach out to USC’s Travaris Robinson if he doesn’t contact him first. Smith said he will set up some official visits and USC and Clemson would be possibilities if they show the interest. Smith said he decommitted from Florida because of the large number of defensive backs the Gators are bringing in to their program.
USC target DB Trey Dean of Hampton, GA was offered by Oklahoma.
QB Carter Bradley of Jacksonville, FL had planned to attend USC’s camp July 21st but a schedule conflict will keep him away. He remains interested in the Gamecocks but they have not offered. “I really liked Coach Roper when he evaluated me at Providence School. I’m a long time fan of Coach Muschamp, too. I’m hoping to attend a game in Columbia in the Fall.