USC Recruiting News

[Williams-Brice]

The easy answer is Nu'Keese Richardson. He is going to commit this summer, but he has said he could do it within the next 1 to 2 weeks. I don't really know who it's going to be, though.

[Wynnco.com]

May 15, 2008
Two USC Targets Make Decisions
By Phil Kornblut

Two players offered by USC, OL Eric Shrive (6-7 285) of Scranton, PA and WR Willie Haulstead (6-3 210) of Titusville, FL are headed elsewhere. Shrive committed to Penn State and Haulstead committed to Florida State.

[Wynnco.com]

May 15, 2008
Boyd Planning USC Visit
By Phil Kornblut

WR Jheranie Boyd (6-3 185) of Gastonia, NC will make an unofficial visit to USC May 24th. He'll be joined on the visit by his mentor Joseph Johnson. "I plan to be there the whole day so we can see the campus," Boyd said. USC recruiter Ray Rychleski was by the school Monday. Clemson was in a couple of weeks ago. Southern Cal, Oregon, Auburn and Maryland visited Thursday, and Missouri will be in Friday. Boyd visited North Carolina last week and met with head coach Butch Davis. Boyd said he recently gained offers from Michigan, Ohio State and Florida State. Boyd privately has a final ten in his mind. He's not ready to announce that list but he did confirm Clemson and USC are in the group. Boyd said he will attend day camps this summer at USC, Clemson and North Carolina. He also will attend the Florida State Showcase camp and a camp at Southern Cal. He said there is no leader at this time.

[Wynnco.com]

May 15, 2008
USC, Clemson Remain Players With Newton
By Phil Kornblut

QB Morgan Newton (6-5 215) of Carmel, IN recently picked up offers from Maryland and Florida giving him a total of 16, including USC and Clemson. While he's not narrowed his list, when he gets around to do so, Newton feels USC and Clemson stand a good chance to "probably" survive the cut. USC quarterbacks coach David Reaves was at Newton's school Monday and watched him practice. "I think I did pretty well," he said. "I threw for about 45 minutes. Hopefully, he got to see what he wanted to see. They (USC) are very interested. Coach Reaves is trying to get to know me, and I'm getting to know them." Clemson quarterbacks coach Rob Spence was at the school about two weeks ago and Newton said he's been in touch with Spence and recruiter Billy Napier. "They are very personable people," he said. "Coach Spence talks about what he thinks Clemson can do for me and what I can do to help out there. They feel like they have a good steup for me there." Newton said coaches from Maryland, Nebraska and Penn State were by his school Thursday. He's also been called by Louisville and talked with Florida's Urban Meyer. He does not have any favorites and is not planning to attend any camps. He might take some visits in June.

[pc72687]

Clemson seems to be on track to land another amazing class. They're doing something right up there.

[Williams-Brice]

This Jheranie Boyd guy is a great prospect. He reminds me of Calvin Johnson. Obviously, take such a comparison with a grain of salt because Calvin Johnson is Calvin Johnson, but Boyd is going to be a major get for someone. There have been reports that he's a lock to go to Clemson, but that's not the case. Clemson might not even be in his top 2. After visiting Carolina this weekend, I look for the Gamecocks to make a major move in his mind. He's obviously taking it slow right now, as he hasn't released his top 10 yet.

[Williams-Brice]

Clemson seems to be on track to land another amazing class. They're doing something right up there.

You know . . . I really think our class is going to be very comparable to their's. There are some things starting to shape up for this class like the one in 2006. Chris Payne is playing the roll of Quintin Richardson, and I really think the chips are about to fall. We'll all be excited soon enough.

[Wynnco.com]

May 16, 2008
USC Coaches Visit RNE Again
By Phil Kornblut

A trio of USC recruiters attended practice at Richland Northeast Friday for another close up look at DE Chris Bonds (6-4 283). Cavaliers coach Jay Frye said David Reaves, Ellis Johnson and Brad Lawing represented the Gamecocks. It's the second time USC has been by the school this spring to see Bonds. Among the other schools recruiting Bonds to come thru RNE this spring, according to Frye, are Tennessee, Southern Cal, LSU, Miami, Florida State, Michigan, and Notre Dame, which has been by twice. Bonds is coming off knee surgery last fall and Frye said the knee has held up fine this spring. "He's been doing a lot of the drills," the coach said. In his opinion, Frye believes USC, Southern Cal, Michigan, Notre Dame, Alabama, Tennessee, Miami, Florida State, LSU, Virginia and Maryland make up the lead group for Bonds right now. Frye said Bonds plan to take visits this summer to Tennessee, Miami, Florida State, Notre Dame and Michigan.

[Wynnco.com]

May 18, 2008
USC Checks Out Georgia Corner
By Phil Kornblut

USC has taken a look at DB Brandon Harton (5-9 170) of Reidsville, GA and has invited him to summer camp. Recruiter John Hunt recently paid a visit to the school according to coach Jeff Kaiser. "He thought he was a little but is definitely a speed guy," Kaiser said. "They are looking for some tall cornerbacks. But he invited him to camp. He wants to see him run." Harton has 4.4 speed according to his coach. He is also getting interest from Auburn, Vanderbilt, Troy, Georgia Southern and Wofford. Harton also plays running back and had 10 runs of 80 yards or more last season. He's also a track athlete.

[Wynnco.com]

May 18, 2008
USC Not Quitting On Minter
By Phil Kornblut

LB Kevin Minter (6-1 240) of Suwanee, GA has been committed to LSU since early April but other schools continue to check on him and contact him, including USC. "I talked to coach (Shane) Beamer last week," Minter said. "He said if I have an doubts, call him. I have no doubts right now. I'm still firm with LSU but I'm still willing to talk to other recruiters. Minter said he's also been hearing from Alabama and Florida. He said Beamer came by his school recently to watch him practice. Minter said he will go to some team camps this summer but no individual camps. Minter also has offers from NC State, Ole Miss, Virginia, Purdue, West Virginia, Southern Cal, Nebraska and Kentucky.

[waldo]

I see where Nu'Keese Richardson has set a date for his commit. What is that date? What are our chances?

[Wynnco.com]

May 19, 2008
USC Takes Look At Florida Safety
By Phil Kornblut

USC recruiter Robert Gillespie checked on DB Jarrett Swaby (6-1 183) of Belle Glade, FL Monday. The Gamecocks have not offered but Swaby said Gillespie is interested. "He wants me to come up for a one day camp," he said. "He saw my highlight tape and showed it to the defensive coordinator, and he liked it. An offer should be coming soon." Swaby visited USC for the spring game. Coaches from Central Michigan, West Virginia and Pittsburgh also were by his school Monday. He plans to camp this summer at USC, Florida International, Florida Atlantic, Central Florida and South Florida. He said USC and South Florida are his top two. He has an offer from Hofstra. Last season Swaby had 103 tackles and five interceptions. He also caught 13 passes for 270 yards and three touchdowns.

[Wynnco.com]

May 20, 2008
Richardson Working On Decision
By Phil Kornblut

WR Nukeese Richardson (5-10 170) of Pahokee, FL plans to announce his college decision the end of the month and he has a final five of USC, Florida, Michigan, Southern Cal and Georgia. Richardson had been favoring USC by a slight margin over Florida but he says now all five schools are even with him. "I'm still in the process of going over stats and stuff," Richardson said. USC recruiters Robert Gillespie and Steve Spurrier Jr. watched Richardson practice Monday. Richardson talked by phone with Gillespie Sunday night. "He wants me to come up there this summer (for camp) and get to know everybody. I also talked to coach Bobo from Georgia. He wants me to come up there this summer, too. I haven't been to Georgia yet. I will take all five of my official visits (in the fall). Once I commit, I want to make sure that's the right school," Richardson said. He said is coach will handle how his announcement is handled on May 30th.

[Wynnco.com]

May 20, 2008
USC Keeping Heat On Coffee
By Phil Kornblut

USC remains very interested in LB Matt Coffee (5-11 210) of Fort Walton Beach, FL. "USC wants me to come up there," Coffee said. "Coach Beamer came and watched me practice last week. They are recruiting me the hardest. I talk to coach Beamer every couple of weeks." Coffee said he'll visit USC this summer. He has offers from the Gamecocks, Ole Miss, NC State, Maryland, Illinois, Southern Miss, Marshall, Iowa State and Michigan State. He's also hearing from Clemson, Florida, Florida State and Alabama. He does not claim a favorite.

[DELTOR]

Could anyone explain to me why we are recruiting Nu'Keese Richardson as a WR? All the film I've seen on him was DB, QB, and a defensive specialist. At 5'9, wouldn't he be a better fit playing DB?

[Williams-Brice]

Richardson is set to announce on June 30th. Everyone is recruiting him as a WR because no one has a guy like him at WR. Think Noel Devine as a receiver. He does special, special things with the ball in his hands.

[FLgamecockJAX]

I sure want to see him doing those special things as a Gamecock!

[Wynnco.com]

May 21, 2008
Armstrong Still Hearing From USC
By Phil Kornblut

USC continues to keep tabs on ATH Ray Ray Armstrong (6-4 215) of Sanford, FL and was one of the schools to come thru his school this spring. "I talked to coach Hunt a couple of weeks ago," Armstrong said. "I don't have any favorites but I do have interest in South Carolina." Armstrong has over 20 offers including USC, Southern Cal, Miami, Florida State, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Tennessee and Auburn. He said he wants to take some visits this summer but is not sure where, but they will be to out of state schools. He does not have any camp plans.

[Wynnco.com]

May 21, 2008
USC Not Finished With Gresham
By Phil Kornblut

LB Chaun Gresham (6-3 200) of Winder, GA has been committed to Georgia Tech since March, but USC has remained in touch, and that effort appears to be paying off. "I'm still pretty much still looking around," Gresham said. "The only other school I'm looking at a lot is South Carolina. I still consider myself committed to Georgia Tech, but things are getting harder with all the schools still coming at me. Tennessee just offered me. The schools are still coming at me and I like that." Gresham said USC recruiter Shane Beamer was at his practice Monday and he talked to Beamer last week. Gresham said he will take some visits this summer with USC being one of his stops.

[Wynnco.com]

May 21, 2008
Sims Lands Another Major Offer
By Phil Kornblut

Florida is the latest official offer for ATH David Sims (6-0 208) of Calhoun County. That's the 11th offer for Sims. His others are USC, Alabama, North Carolina, Wake Forest, Tennessee, Georgia Tech, Colorado, NC State, Michigan and Oregon.

Calhoun County rising junior OL Eric Mack (6-5 290) picked up an offer from Wake Forest Tuesday. He also has offers from North Carolina, Alabama and Kentucky.

[Wynnco.com]

May 21, 2008
Middleton Gets USC Offer
By Phil Kornblut

6-7 Khris Middleton of Porter Gaud made an unofficial visit to USC Wednesday with his parents and was given an official offer by Gamecock head coach Darrin Horn. "He said he was very interested in me and wants me to come to South Carolina," Middleton said. "He said I can bring great things to the school." Middleton said he spent the afternoon with Horn and all of his assistants. "They showed us around the facilities," he said. "We met the president and the athletic director. We toured the campus. I was pretty impressed with it." Middleton said he did not commit and is taking his time with his decision. He said he does not have a favorite. He also has offers from St. Joesphs, Charlotte, College of Charleston, Nebraska, Fordham, James Madison and SMU.

[JCisLord]

Does anyone know what the article on Rivals (or Scout) yesterday said about J. King? Hope he makes it.

[JerryBeeds]

Any new word on Sutton?

[Wynnco.com]

May 22, 2008
Crawford Plans Summer Trip To USC
By Phil Kornblut

USC will be one of the summer attractions for DB Frank Crawford (6-1 170) of Miami. Crawford said he plans to make a summer stop in Columbia. He also plans to see Ole Miss, Alabama and South Florida. He also has offers from Minnesota, Michigan State, Iowa State, Syracuse and Duke. He's also hearing from Clemson, Ohio State, Auburn and Miami. Crawford said he's keeping in touch with the Gamecocks. "I talk regularly with coach (Robert) Gillespie," Crawford said. "They like me a lot. I like every school that's offered me a scholarship." Crawford said he does not have favorites. Last season Crawford totaled 55 tackles with 6 interceptions, returning two for touchdowns. He plays free safety, cornerback and receiver.

[Wynnco.com]

May 22, 2008
USC Keeping Interest Up On Florida Lineman
By Phil Kornblut

USC recruiter David Reaves was by Naples, FL earlier this week to look at several prospects at Naples High school including DL Josh Elizondo (6-2 270). "South Carolina is very interested," Elizondo said. Coaches from Troy, Duke, Pittsburgh, Iowa State, NC State and Kentucky also have been thru. He does not have any favorites and has no summer trips or camps planned.

[Wynnco.com]

May 22, 2008
Green Still Available
By Phil Kornblut

WR James Green (6-4 200) of Tallahassee is still on the market after pulling back a commitment to Auburn according to a source familiar with his recruiting. Green apparently had given Auburn a pledge but quickly withdrew it and is continuing to weigh his options. He has offers from Auburn, USC, Central Florida, Minnesota, Syracuse, Iowa State and Ole Miss.

[Wynnco.com]

May 22, 2008
Coaches Come Thru To See Johnson
By Phil Kornblut

LB Brett Johnson (6-2 206) of North Augusta has offers from Air Force and North Augusta, and coaches from several other schools were by this week to watch him in practice. Purdue, Furman, North Carolina, Duke and Vanderbilt checked him out and remain interested along with several others including USC, Georgia Tech, Georgia, NC State, Indiana, South Florida and West Virginia.

[Wynnco.com]

May 22, 2008
USC Will Be Summer Stop For Bell
By Phil Kornblut

LB Hawatha Bell (6-1 230) of Matthews, NC has seen his offer list grow to ten. He has offers from USC, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Miami, Illinois, Maryland, Duke, East Carolina, North Carolina and NC State. "I'm taking my time with all the schools," Bell said. USC recruiter Ray Rychleski visited Bell's school recently and left behind the message the Gamecocks would like to have him. "From what I'm hearing, they are beyond interested," Bell said. "I'll definitely visit South Carolina this summer." He also plans to visit Virginia Tech, North Carolina, NC State, Illinois and Notre Dame this summer. Auburn also was by his school recently. Bell said he does not have favorites.

[Wynnco.com]

May 22, 2008
Nixon To Cut List Next Week
By Phil Kornblut

OL Xavier Nixon (6-7 270) of Fayetteville, NC plans to trim his long list of offers down to ten or five by the end of next week. Clemson and USC are among Nixon's offers, but he said neither is guaranteed a spot on his final list. "I'm not sure on either one making the cut," Nixon said. But between the two, Clemson appears to have the better chance. "I've been around Clemson a lot more than South Carolina," he said. "They've been around a lot longer. I talked to coach (Brad) Scott about two days ago. He came by the school." Nixon said by Thursday or Friday of next week, he'll know the schools he plans to focus on in the next phase of his decision making process. "I'm looking at where I can get a degree, have early playing time and win a championship," Nixon said. Last weekend he made visits to LSU, Auburn and Florida. He hasn't planned any other visits but he wants to make one to Miami. Nixon has over 40 offers representing most of the top programs in the country.

[Williams-Brice]

No word on Sutton. Savannah public schools are still in session.

[Williams-Brice]

I don't know what any article has said about King, but he may have to take one summer course outside of GMC and USC in order to join the team by the fall. That's the latest I've heard. Given the history here, I can't blame anyone for being concerned, but it doesn't sound like the staff is too upset about this. All indications are that he's going to be here at least by the fall.

[pc72687]

Well, I hope King can finally make it here this year. I have heard that the staff plans to use him as a Olineman. Is this true?

[Gamecocks4Life]

I heard Garret Anderson will be 100% by the fall. Is that true?

[Wynnco.com]

May 23, 2008
Boyd Delays USC Visit
By Phil Kornblut

WR Jheranie Boyd (6-3 185) of Gastonia, NC had planned to make an unofficial visit to USC Saturday, but he's going to delay the visit for a week. He's going to Myrtle Beach instead this weekend. Boyd said he possibly will reveal his favorites by the end of next week. He's been holding on a list of nine and has said USC and Clemson are on that list.

[Williams-Brice]

Well, I hope King can finally make it here this year. I have heard that the staff plans to use him as a Olineman. Is this true?

The plan is to start him on defense, but keep in mind that Jamon Meredith is suspended for the first two games of the season because he was granted an extra year of eligibility. If the staff feels they can use him at LT those first two games, then they may stick him there. He'll definitely get a look on offense.

[Williams-Brice]

I heard Garret Anderson will be 100% by the fall. Is that true?

You got it. I believe he's doing manual labor (chopping down trees) today. He's good to go. His injury was overblown. They are now saying that surgery was never even an option for him.

[JCisLord]

Thanks WB! Hey did that running back out of Byrnes....Lattimore, say something else about coming to Carolina. I know this guy is a junior. Anything could change, but did Spurrier talk with him or something. Anyone got any news on this? Thanks!

[Gamecocks4Life]

WB, I am hearing some bad news regarding Nukeese Richardson. It sounds like he's going to UF. What have you heard about it?

[DELTOR]

I heard Tori Childers will be enrolling this summer. He and Stephon Gilmore appear to be good friends. :thumpsup:

[JerryBeeds]

WB, I am hearing some bad news regarding Nukeese Richardson. It sounds like he's going to UF. What have you heard about it?

Looks like he'll commit to the Gators on Friday. His recruiting is far from finished though. He's still going to take all his visits this summer after announcing his commitment. We just don't fair well getting kids out of Florida that any of the big three want.:brick:

[Williams-Brice]

Thanks WB! Hey did that running back out of Byrnes....Lattimore, say something else about coming to Carolina. I know this guy is a junior. Anything could change, but did Spurrier talk with him or something. Anyone got any news on this? Thanks!

Carolina is in a big time lead for Lattimore. It's possible that he'll be the #1 back in the nation next year.

[Williams-Brice]

WB, I am hearing some bad news regarding Nukeese Richardson. It sounds like he's going to UF. What have you heard about it?

It's a toss up right now. Everyone I talk to says he changes his mind every minute. It's so unnerving because we've lead for him for well over a year. Florida stepped in during the last month and erased it. Our coaches will be with him tomorrow morning, so hopefully one last sales pitch will help.

[Wynnco.com]

May 27, 2008
Edwards Remains A Hot Target
By Phil Kornblut

DE Tariq Edwards (6-4 225) of Marlboro County continues to collect offers according to his coach Dean Boyd. The list now consists of USC, Clemson, Vanderbilt, Maryland, NC State, Virginia, Illinois, Tennessee, Alabama, Wake Forest, North Carolina and Duke. He's also getting interest from Virginia Tech and Michigan. "He plans to go to a bunch of one day camps," Boyd said. USC recruiter David Reaves was by the school last week. Edwards does not have any favorites.

His twin brother, TE Tyrell (6-4 219), has offers from Illinois, Vanderbilt, Tennessee and Duke according to his coach. He's also getting interest from USC, Clemson, NC State, North Carolina, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Alabama and Michigan. "Both of them liked what Wake Forest had to say," Boyd said. "Tennessee is showing the most interest in both."

[Wynnco.com]

May 27, 2008
Five Holding Edge For Washington
By Phil Kornblut

Five schools have moved to the front with OL Quinton Washington (6-4 315) of Timberland according to his coach Art Craig. USC, Clemson, Tennessee, Alabama and Miami are the favored five according to Craig who added that Michigan is trying hard to break into the group. "From a national standpoint, Michigan said he was the #1 lineman they are going to go after," Craig said. Coaches from USC, Clemson, NC State, North Carolina, Maryland, Michigan and Alabama were thru school this spring. Craig said Washington doesn't have a favorite. "The five he mentioned are all quality programs," Craig said. "He wants to see them. He may surprise me and commit early but I don't think it's going to happen. He wants to take his visits." Craig said Washington will be moved from tackle to guard this season, and he's being recruited as a guard. He has offers from each of his favorites along with Michigan, Maryland and NC State. He's also drawing interest from Notre Dame, Nebraska, LSU and Oklahoma.

[SCRooster68]

Carolina is in a big time lead for Lattimore. It's possible that he'll be the #1 back in the nation next year.


FSU is making up some ground. Jimbo came up and visited his practice last week or the week before.

Still as of right now 1 USC 2 FSU 3 Nobody really

[Williams-Brice]

FSU is making up some ground. Jimbo came up and visited his practice last week or the week before.

Still as of right now 1 USC 2 FSU 3 Nobody really

I heard that F$U was up there. Even though F$U has taken over the #2 spot, it's still a major, major lead for Carolina. He'll be on campus a great deal over the next year or two, as his sister goes to school here. He wants to commit on ESPN when Byrnes plays Pahokee (Nu'Keese Richardson's team) on national TV this fall. That puts USC squarely in front.

[SCRooster68]

I heard that F$U was up there. Even though F$U has taken over the #2 spot, it's still a major, major lead for Carolina. He'll be on campus a great deal over the next year or two, as his sister goes to school here. He wants to commit on ESPN when Byrnes plays Pahokee (Nu'Keese Richardson's team) on national TV this fall. That puts USC squarely in front.

You are correct as usual Brice. I have kids that work for me (taters) that know him and he is high on USC big time. I would love to see us turn Byrnes from the Clembilly's.

FSU is a big name in South Carolina and has been since the early eighties. I think that GA, TENN, and UF will be bigger factors against us when it is his time to sign though.

The recruiting season for us is going to be directly related to our win/loss total this season....that is if we are going to crack the top 10 or 20.

[Wynnco.com]

May 28, 2008
Alabama Defensive End Lands USC Offer

USC is one of the recent offers for DE Anthony Orr (6-5 260) of Harvest, AL. Orr said Gamecock recruiter Ron Cooper made the offer about three weeks ago. Orr also recently gained offers from Mississippi State and Central Florida. He also has offers from Clemson, Auburn, Alabama and Tennessee. Orr said he wants to attend a USC camp this summer, and he will take in a USC game this fall. He has interest in both USC and Clemson. He does not claim a favorite. Orr also is hearing from Georgia, LSU and Southern Miss.

[Wynnco.com]

May 28, 2008
North Carolina ATH Drawing USC, CU Interest
By Phil Kornblut

ATH Everett Proctor (6-2 190) of Fayetteville, NC is close to an offer from USC according to his assistant coach Gary Lowery. "South Carolina likely is going to offer soon," Lowery said. "He's going to a one day camp there and will work out for them. Coach Hunt was thru here last week. They're recruiting him as an athlete." Clemson recruiter Chris Rumph also has checked on Proctor and expressed interest. He has offers from Michigan, North Carolina, East Carolina, Illinois, NC State, Maryland and Appalachian State according to Lowery. Proctor also is getting interest from West Virginia, Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech. Some of the schools, like Georgia Tech, are recruiting him as a quarterback. He can also plays safety and receiver. Proctor was the region player of the year last season. He rushed for 1105 yards and 13 touchdowns and passed for 754 yards and five scores. He does not have any favorites.

[Wynnco.com]

May 28, 2008
Richardson Narrows List To Three
By Phil Kornblut

It's down to a final three schools withi WR Nu'Keese Richardson (5-10 170) of Pahokee, FL as he prepares to announce his decision at a 3:00 PM news conference Friday. "Georgia, South Carolina and Florida are my final three," Richardson said Wednesday night. "I haven't made my decision yet. It's going to be a last minute thing. There's no leader. Everyone is equal right now. I'm just trying to focus on the game (spring game Thursday night). I'm ver focused on the game. And I'm trying to heal up a little bit. I've got a hamstring pull." Richardson talked to his Florida recruiter last night and will talk with USC recruiter Robert Gillespie and his Georgia recruiter tonight. "We're talking about the camps and my decision," he said. "They are giving me their stats like what they have on the depth chart. I've always been a quarterback type of guy, so it's going to be about the quarterback at the school and the depth chart."

[Wynnco.com]

May 28, 2008
USC, Klimp Sin Make Nixon's Final Nine
By Phil Kornblut

OL Xavier Nixon (6-7 270) of Fayetteville, NC Wednesday cut his list of schools down from over 40 offers to a final nine. The schools he's still considering are USC, Clemson, North Carolina, NC State, Florida, LSU, Miami, Notre Dame and West Virginia. Nixon is in the middle of studying for final exams and was not available for further comment. Nixon recently visited LSU, Florida and Auburn and said last week one school he definitely wants to visit this summer is Miami.

[SCRooster68]

Looks as if Richardson is going to be a Gator. :thumbsdow

[pc72687]

Wow, I heard the Brynes back was good but not #1 running back. That's pretty big time.

[Williams-Brice]

Looks as if Richardson is going to be a Gator. :thumbsdow

Don't worry. The consensus (and I mean that with all sincerity; all of my sources are saying this) is that he is rushing into his decision, regardless of who he chooses, and that all teams will continue to recruit him very hard. It wouldn't shock me either way.

[Wynnco.com]

May 29, 2008
Another Big Offer For Sims
By Phil Kornblut

The major offers continue to roll in for Calhoun County ATH David Sims (6-0 208). Florida State is the latest to join a list that has grown to 14 offers. The others are USC, Alabama, North Carolina, Wake Forest, Tennessee, Georgia Tech, Colorado, NC State, Michigan, Oregon, Florida, Kentucky and Kansas. Sims and his teammate, WR Alshon Jeffrey (6-3 217) are looking to make camp stops at USC, Alabama, Florida and Florida State. And Jeffrey will visit Southern Cal June 24th.

[Gamecocks4Life]

Richardson commits to UF. Our recruiting is not going good at all right now.

[lacene]

Richardson commits to UF. Our recruiting is not going good at all right now.

It didn't go good with Richardson, but we still have quite a number of top WR's on the USC board that we're working......we'll be fine. Especially if we win our games....

[Wynnco.com]

May 30, 2008
Boyd To Visit USC Saturday
By Phil Kornblut

WR Jheranie Boyd (6-3 185) of Gastonia, NC will make an unofficial visit to USC Saturday. Boyd originally was scheduled to visit last weekend but took a trip to Myrtle Beach instead. Boyd will be joined on the trip by his mother and his mentor Joseph Johnson. Boyd has been sitting on a favorites list of ten but has not revealed all of the schools. He has confirmed that USC and Clemson are among his top ten schools. Some of his other offers are Alabama, Florida, Southern Cal, Michigan, Ohio State and Florida State. Boyd also plans to attend one day camps at USC and Clemson.

[Wynnco.com]

June 01, 2008
Thomas Adds Offer #8
By Phil Kornblut

OL Brandon Thomas (6-4 280) of Dorman picked up an offer from Virginia last week giving him a total of eight. Thomas also has offers from USC, Clemson, North Carolina, Maryland, Vanderbilt, NC State and Tennessee. "Clemson is sort of a front runner with him," said Dorman coach Dave Gutshall. "Since he ran that 40 time in the combine (4.69), the interest in him has changed. Everybody in the world has talked to him about going to camp and I think he's overwhelmed by it." Thomas has said Clemson is his favorite ahead of USC and North Carolina.

Dorman DB Walt Canty (6-0 200) has an offer from Presbyterian while Wake Forest, Vanderbilt, Duke and NC State want to see him in a one day camp according to Gutshall.

Presbyterian also has offered Dorman OL Malcolm Boyd (6-3 270). Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt also are showing interest.

And Dorman DB Taylor Sowell (5-11 190), who remains committed to North Carolina, picked up a written offer from Miami according to his coach. He also has an offer from West Virginia.

[Wynnco.com]

June 01, 2008
Gators Emerge As Ray's Favorite
By Phil Kornblut

USC has some work to do to win over WR Lance Ray (6-3 190) of Havana, FL. The Gamecocks have been a player with Ray for several months, but it's Florida that has moved to the top of his list, even though the Gators have yet to offer. "I believe once they see me in action, they will offer," said Ray who will attend a Florida camp this month. "I probably won't commit, but they would be my number one school. It's a great school and it's only two hours from home." Ray said LSU is his current #2 team. The Tigers have not yet offered, either. USC has offered and remains in touch. "I talk regulary with coach Beamer," Ray said. He's invited me to a camp there but I'm not sure I'll be able to make it." Beamer visited Ray's school last month. Ray said he also will go to camps at Alabama, LSU, Auburn, Duke and South Florida.

[Wynnco.com]

June 01, 2008
Florida Corner Feels Good About USC
By Phil Kornblut

DB Ricardo Dixon (6-0 175) of Hallandale, FL has USC among his to four, and he and his parents will visit the school this weekend. "I really like USC," he said. "I talked to coach Gillespie. He said he was really impressed with how I played in the spring game. I had four passes broken up and two tackles. And I locked down their star receiver." Also in Dixon's top four are South Florida, Florida State and Ole Miss. He also has offers from Clemson, North Carolina, Auburn, Tennessee, NC State, West Virginia and Central Florida. Dixon plans to set one of his official visits with USC. Last season he had 52 tackles with one interception. And he returned two kickoffs for touchdowns.

[Wynnco.com]

June 02, 2008
USC Interested In Florida Back
By Phil Kornblut

USC checked out RB Greg Pratt (5-8 161) of Naples, FL in the spring. They have not offered, but Pratt believes the Gamecocks will keep him on their board. "Coach Reaves was telling how he liked how I play, and he liked what he saw in practice," Pratt said. Pratt rushed for 1500 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. He has offers from Cincinnati, Indiana, NC State, Troy and Pittsburgh. He said Cincinnati is his favorite and he plans to camp there and possibly Pittsburgh.

[Wynnco.com]

June 02, 2008
Manigault To Visit USC Wednesday
By Phil Kornblut

6-4 Kenny Manigault of Pinewood Prep will make an unofficial visit to USC Wednesday his AAU coach said Monday night. Manigault has not picked up any offers yet. "Wichita State is probably on him the hardest," Rufus McDonald said. Georgia, Georgia Tech, James Madison, Presbyterian, The College of Charleston, Charleston Southern and Furman also are showing interest. "South Carolina is showing some pretty good interest," McDonald said. USC coach Darrin Horn scouted Manigault in the spring. Manigault averaged 13 points per game last season.

[Wynnco.com]

June 03, 2008
Spartanburg Junior Lands First Offer
By Phil Kornblut

Michigan has made a verbal offer to junior ATH Cornelius Jones (6-3 185) of Spartanburg according to his coach Freddie Brown. "Nobody knows about him," Brown said. "He's very fast. I sent a tape to them and and they offered off the tape. I've also sent a copy of the tape to USC and Clemson. He can fly." Brown didn't play football last season for the Vikings. He'll be used a quarterback this fall.

[Wynnco.com]

June 03, 2008
Foster Lands In Junior College
By Phil Kornblut

DE Dion Foster (6-4 233) of Lewisville drew some major college recruiting interest in 2008, but his academic standing prevented him from signing with the likes of USC, Tennessee or Auburn. Foster has enrolled at Coffeyville JC, KS. He already has started summer school and plans to graduate from the junior college in December 2009.

[Wynnco.com]

June 03, 2008
Georgia Tight End Holding USC Offer
By Phil Kornblut

USC recruiter Ron Cooper scouted TE Justin Jones (5-8 250) of Conyers, GA during spring practice, and liked what he saw enough to make a verbal offer. Jones said he's awaiting the official offer to arrive in the mail. Jones said he talked last week to Cooper and was assured the offer is on the way. Jones also has offers from UAB, East Carolina and Akron. Clemson has also been showing interest along with Alabama, Central Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, Duke, Georgia Tech and Auburn. Jones has visited Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Central Florida and Auburn. He will be attending camps in coming weeks at Mississippi State, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky. Jones said he will try to visit USC this summer. He does not have a favorite. Playing in a spread offense and used primarily as a blocker, Jones caught 11 passes with five for touchdowns last season.

[Wynnco.com]

June 03, 2008
Boyd Discloses Final 15
By Phil Kornblut

WR Jheranie Boyd (6-3 185) of Gastonia, NC Tuesday night revealed the 15 schools that have made his first cut. Boyd said USC, Clemson, NC State, North Carolina, Oregon, Southern Cal, Ohio State, Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Michigan, Virginia Tech and Missouri had made his final list. Boyd said he will cut his list down to ten by the end of June and to seven before his season. "Everyone is even," Boyd said. He talked on the phone Monday with USC head coach Steve Spurrier and receivers coach Steve Spurrier Jr., and with Clemson receiver coach Dabo Swinney. Boyd visited USC last Saturday. He said he plans to take visits this summer to Florida, Florida State, Auburn, Alabama and Ohio State. And he will camp at North Carolina and possibly Southern Cal.

[JerryBeeds]

June 03, 2008
Boyd Discloses Final 15
By Phil Kornblut

WR Jheranie Boyd (6-3 185) of Gastonia, NC Tuesday night revealed the 15 schools that have made his first cut. Boyd said USC, Clemson, NC State, North Carolina, Oregon, Southern Cal, Ohio State, Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Michigan, Virginia Tech and Missouri had made his final list. Boyd said he will cut his list down to ten by the end of June and to seven before his season. "Everyone is even," Boyd said. He talked on the phone Monday with USC head coach Steve Spurrier and receivers coach Steve Spurrier Jr., and with Clemson receiver coach Dabo Swinney. Boyd visited USC last Saturday. He said he plans to take visits this summer to Florida, Florida State, Auburn, Alabama and Ohio State. And he will camp at North Carolina and possibly Southern Cal.

Wow. Whittling it down to fifteen. What a guy.

[uscrules]

June 03, 2008
Georgia Tight End Holding USC Offer
By Phil Kornblut

USC recruiter Ron Cooper scouted TE Justin Jones (5-8 250) of Conyers, GA during spring practice, and liked what he saw enough to make a verbal offer. Jones said he's awaiting the official offer to arrive in the mail. Jones said he talked last week to Cooper and was assured the offer is on the way. Jones also has offers from UAB, East Carolina and Akron. Clemson has also been showing interest along with Alabama, Central Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, Duke, Georgia Tech and Auburn. Jones has visited Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Central Florida and Auburn. He will be attending camps in coming weeks at Mississippi State, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky. Jones said he will try to visit USC this summer. He does not have a favorite. Playing in a spread offense and used primarily as a blocker, Jones caught 11 passes with five for touchdowns last season.
I have never heard of a 5' 8" tight end, is this a typo?

[lacene]

I have never heard of a 5' 8" tight end, is this a typo?

Yep...I think Kornblut meant 6-8......Rivals has him as 6-7:

Justin Jones - Football Recruiting (http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=79655)

[Wynnco.com]

I have never heard of a 5' 8" tight end, is this a typo?

I thought the same thing. Surely that isn't right.

[Wynnco.com]

Wow. Whittling it down to fifteen. What a guy.

No joke. Must be terrible to be him. The rejection must be overwhelming.:laugh:

[SCRooster68]

I am not sure if I am not getting a little frustrated with recruiting but it seems 9 out of 10 highly rated prospects are so full of themselves nowadays. I am not calling out Boyd but all of them.

:brick::brick::brick:

[uscrules]

Yep...I think Kornblut meant 6-8......Rivals has him as 6-7:

Justin Jones - Football Recruiting (http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=79655)

That sounds more realistic.

[Wynnco.com]

June 05, 2008
Jeffrey, Sims At USC Saturday
By Phil Kornblut

Calhoun County standouts WR Alshon Jeffrey (6-3 217) and ATH David Sims (6-0 208) will be at USC Saturday for a seven on seven camp. The two will then head to Alabama for a camp Sunday and Monday. Jeffrey has been informed by Southern Cal that his written offer from the Trojans is on the way. He will visit Southern Cal June 24th. Florida also is showing strong interest in Jeffrey. Some of Jeffrey's other offers are USC, Clemson, Oregon, Michigan, Florida State, Tennessee and North Carolina.

[Wynnco.com]

June 05, 2008
Two Looking Hardest At Hart
By Phil Kornblut

OL Thomas Hart (6-4 305) of Orangeburg-Wilkinson plans several camp stops this summer to show coaches how far he's progressed with his knee rehab. He missed all of his junior season with a torn ACL in the left knee. "My knee is great," Hart said. "I have a little bit more shape to get in, but other than that, everything is good." Hart said he'll camp at USC, Clemson, NC State and Florida. He said USC and NC State have been showing the most interest. He does not have a favorite.

[Wynnco.com]

June 05, 2008
Wolfpack Pushing Hardest For Thomas
By Phil Kornblut

NC State is one of the offers for Marlboro County WR Kinsman Thomas (6-3 195) and seems to want him more than the rest according to his coach. "NC State likes him a lot," Dean Boyd said. "They've shown the biggest interest in him. He likes USC a lot because they showed big interest early, but not as much recently." Thomas also has offers from USC, Clemson, Vanderbilt, Illinois and North Carolina according to his coach. He's also drawn interest from Duke, Southern Cal and Georgia Tech.

[Wynnco.com]

June 05, 2008
USC Checks Running Back In Camp
By Phil Kornblut

RB Demonte Terry (6-2 194) of Laurinburg, NC made an appearance at USC's camp Thursday and got a close look from running backs coach Robert Gillespie. "He had good things to say about me," Terry said. "I moved well side to side. He wanted to see me do more cuts and catch the ball." Terry has an offer from East Carolina and is hoping to hear something soon from his Gamecock recruiter Brad Lawing. "Coach Lawing said everybody was going to discuss who came to camp and their evaluations," Terry said. "He wants me to give him a call next week." Terry said Maryland and North Carolina appear close to offering him. He will go to a camp at Virginia Tech later this month. Terry rushed for 1200 yards and 20 touchdowns last season.

[Wynnco.com]

June 05, 2008
Mack Gets USC Offer
By Phil Kornblut

Junior OL Eric Mack (6-5 290) of Calhoun County was offered Thursday by USC while attending a Gamecock summer camp. Mack also has offers from North Carolina, Wake Forest, Kentucky and Alabama. And Tennessee and Florida have requested transcripts and appear close to making offers.

[Wynnco.com]

June 05, 2008
Swearinger Gets First In State Offer
By Phil Kornblut

Greenwood DB DJ Swearinger (6-2 208) had nine offers to his credit before he finally got the notice of one of the in state major programs. Swearinger was offered by USC Thursday while attending a Gamecock camp session. "It was a big offer, man," Swearinger said. "I've been waiting on an in state offer. Early in my recruiting, South Carolina was in my top three. That kind of went away, but now they are starting to move back in there. I was doing drills with coach Cooper (at the camp). He said he really liked what I was doing out there." Swearinger also has offers from Vanderbilt, Illinois, Maryland, Auburn, NC State, Duke, Wake Forest, Michigan and North Carolina. He will camp at Tennessee June 12th, Georgia on the 14th, Auburn on the 15th, and North Carolina on the 16th. Swearinger said his top five is USC, Auburn, Tennessee, Georgia and Michigan. "If I had to say a favorite, I'd say Auburn," Swearinger said. "It's a top notch school. They produce good players every year. They have a great defense every year. They put players in the league every year." Swearinger was one of several players from Greenwood at the camp Thursday. He said some of the others were DE Sam Montgomery, DB Byron Best, who may draw a USC offer once his test scores are in, and junior OL Kelcy Quarles.

[lacene]

Finally some new recruiting news, as far as actual commitments....

OL Nick Allison (6-4, 285) of Asheville NC committed to USC today:

June 07, 2008
Gamecocks Land Offensive Lineman
By Phil Kornblut

USC picked up its fourth commitment for the 2009 class Saturday in OL Nick Allison (6-4 285) of Asheville, NC. Allison, an all conference performer as a junior, was offered a couple of weeks ago after recruiter Ray Rychleski visited his school. "My coach had sent them film and they really liked it," Allison said. "They came to my school to see my lift and to see my work ethic. That's when they offered. I went down there Friday to talk to the coaches and see the campus. I talked to coach Spurrier for about twenty minutes. He was telling me about the program and his past coaching. That gave me a feeling that he was a great coach. I really feel comfortable with South Carolina. They have a great program and I know that's where I want to play." Allison said he also has an offer from Western Carolina and has drawn interest from North Carolina, NC State, Wake Forest and Marshall. Allison's father played Division Two hockey in college and some of that athleticism and temperment was passed on to him. "I come off the ball really well," he said. "I'm good at playing aggressively and with intensity. I can overpower people in my league but I know I'm going to have to work on my form and my speed." Allison plays right tackle but can also play guard. He's just 16 years old and expects to get taller and heavier before arriving at USC.

[Williams-Brice]

I wish I could say I know more about this kid, but I don't. Here's what I can tell you: Carolina is very much in the driver's seat for offensive linemen Quintin Washington, Kwame Geathers, and Brandon Thomas. They have also made a move into Johnnie Farms' top 3 behind both Alabama and Florida. They feel good about the first 3 I mentioned and feel they can stay in the game long enough to be a player for Farms. Knowing all of that, they must feel this kid is a solid prospect. A 16 year old still has a lot of growing to do, and if they feel like he can develop into a solid player, then we're going to end up with a darn good offensive line class.

[Wynnco.com]

June 08, 2008
Four From SC At Alabama Camp
By Phil Kornblut

WR Alshon Jeffrey (6-3 217), ATH David Sims (6-0 215) and junior OL Eric Mack (6-5 290) of Calhoun County, and DB Stephon Gilmore (6-2 190) of South Pointe are among the prospects attending a camp at Alabama Sunday and Monday. Jeffrey, Sims and Mack were at USC last week. Jeffrey will also camp at Southern Cal June 24th, and he and Sims will attend camps at Florida and Florida State in July. Jeffrey currently favors Southern Cal according to a source familiar with his thinking. Sims worked with the running backs Sunday and will be with the defensive backs Monday. Sims does not have a favorite. Three schools...Georgia Tech, Kansas and Oregon...are recruiting him as a quarterback. USC now likes him for the offensive side. Mack has offers from USC, Wake Forest, Kentucky, Alabama and North Carolina and is close to offers from Florida and Tennessee. He is planning to attend a Clemson camp Wednesday.

[Wynnco.com]

une 08, 2008
USC Offers Georgia Defensive End
By Phil Kornblut

DE Euclid Cummings (6-3 230) of Roswell, GA received a USC offer Sunday afternoon after attending a Gamecock camp according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Cummings also has offers from Central Florida, Indiana, Middle Tennessee State, Maryland and NC State. He will camp at Auburn Saturday and has been invited to Georgia July 18th. Cummings played his first season of football last season. He also plays basketball. Cummings was joined at the camp by a pair of junior teammates, David Yankey and Ben Carpenter.

[Wynnco.com]

June 08, 2008
Georgia Tight End A USC Camper
By Phil Kornblut

TE Jim Teknipp (6-6 230) of McDonough, GA was at USC's camp last week along with his teammate QB Drew Little. Teknipp has not been offered by the Gamecocks but he thinks he gave them a reason to think about it. "I feel like I did pretty good at their camp," Teknipp said. "It seemed like they were pretty happy with everything. I did a little receiving, a little blocking. I talked with with the tight ends coach and with coach Gillespie. They told me they had offered an in state tight end already but they are going to see what they can do to get me an offer." Teknipp, whose father played tight end at West Virginia, has offers from Central Florida and Akron. He's also drawing interest from Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia and Michigan. He will camp Monday at Alabama and will also go to camps at Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia and Michigan. Central Florida stands out with Teknipp right now. " I liked Central Florida's facilities," he said, "and I have a good relationship with the tight ends coach."

[Wynnco.com]

June 08, 2008
Blythewood Defensive End Performs At USC

DE Justin Anderson (6-6 260) of Blythewood showed off his skills at USC's camp Sunday. His coach, Geremy Saitz, got a good look at Anderson because he was working the camp. "He did well," Saitz said. "He's muscling up some and keeping his weight." Saitz said Anderson had a good academic semester in the spring and just took the SAT Saturday. Anderson has told his coach he has verbal offers from Maryland and Georgia Tech, and Saitz said Georgia Southern, Newberry and Presbyterian have officially offered. Anderson also plans to camp at Maryland and Virginia Tech. He visited Georgia Tech about a month ago.

[Wynnco.com]

June 08, 2008
Dixon Delays USC Visit
By Phil Kornblut

DB Ricardo Dixon (6-0 175) of Hallandale, FL had planned to visit USC this weekend with his parents, but he pushed the trip back to later in the month because of a graduation dinner for a friend he attended Saturday. Dixon said he now will visit USC June 27th. He will visit South Florida on the 20th. Dixon said his current top ten, in order of preference, is: South Florida, USC, Florida State, Auburn, Rutgers, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Central Florida, Clemson and Georgia.

[Wynnco.com]

June 09, 2008
Fordham Gets First In State Offer
By Phil Kornblut

DE Aldrick Fordham (6-4 237) of Timberland attended USC's camp Monday and left with an offer from the Gamecocks according to his coach Art Craig who was working at the camp. "He did well and they offered him," Craig said. "They were real impressed with his feet and how he moves." Fordham has long favored the Gamecocks and the offer could lead to a commitment soon for the Gamecocks. "They wanted him to go home and talk to his mom and dad," Craig said. "He is supposed to go to Clemson Thursday but he's not sure if he will." Fordham also has an offer from Tennessee. He's also drawn interest from Wake Forest, Maryland and Kentucky.

[Wynnco.com]

June 09, 2008
Williams Picks Up Offer #2
By Phil Kornblut

Daniel DB Jerrodd Williams (6-0 185) picked up an offer Saturday from Virginia Tech while at camp and committed to the Hokies. Monday, he picked up an offer from USC while at camp, and remained committed to Virginia Tech. "My decision is not going to change," Williams said. "I told them I was going to commit there and I like to keep my word. I loved the campus and the coaching staff. They treated me like family." Williams, who had 68 tackles and four interceptions last season, gave a demonstration of his skills to the USC coaches Monday. "Steve Spurier offered after I did a little workout and ran my forty," he said. "I ran a 4.4. Saturday, they worked me pretty good and I was a little sore. On fresh legs, I'm a legit 4.3." Williams will visit other schools for camps. "Clemson and Georgia are talking about offering when I got to their camps," he said. "And North Carolina said they will offer when I camp there June 20th. But I'm not sure I'm going to that one." Williams will be at Clemson Thursday, but he says the Tigers won't be able to change his mind, either. "I've been around Clemson all my life," he said. "Clemson is cool, but I think it's time to get away."

[Wynnco.com]

June 09, 2008
Georgia Defensive End Favors USC
By Phil Kornblut

DE Euclid Cummings (6-3 228) of Roswell, GA picked up an offer from USC Sunday while attending a camp session, and Monday night he called the Gamecocks he favorites. "I'm pretty wide open, but South Carolina is high up on my list," Cumming said. "South Carolina is definitely #1." Cummings said North Carolina is second on his list. He also has offers from Duke, Indiana, Maryland, Central Florida, Middle Tennessee State and Richmond. He's also getting interest from Georgia Tech and Auburn. Cummings said USC recruiter Ron Cooper was by his school earlier in the spring to watch a practice. Cummings, who had about 40 tackles and six sacks last season. plans to camp this weekend at either Auburn or Georgia Tech.

[Wynnco.com]

June 09, 2008
Two Out Front For Fordham
By Phil Kornblut

DE Aldrick Fordham (6-4 237) of Timberland, who was offered by USC Monday afternoon while attending camp, said Monday night the Gamecocks and Tennessee are ate the top of his list. The Vols also have offered. "It's 50-50," Fordham said. "I'm going to visit USC and Tennessee and whichever school I feel best fits me will be my choice." Fordham said he'll call his USC recruiter Steve Spurrier Jr. this week to set up a date for the visit. And he'll visit Tennessee later in the summer. Fordham said he will attend a camp session at Clemson Thursday. Fordham said he was happy to get the offer from USC. "That's one of the schools I grew up liking," Fordham said. "It's one of the schools I'd like to go to." Fordham also is drawing interest from Wake Forest, Maryland and Kentucky. Fordham said he had about 60 tackles and 5 sacks last season. He also plays tight end.

[Williams-Brice]

You may be hearing reports about Alshon Jeffery committing to Southern Cal. There is a miscommunication going on. He does not have a 100% commitable offer from the Trojans, but he has committed to attending their summer camp. Southern Cal does not count him on their commitment list, but there are some people in Calhoun County claiming that he pledged to the Trojans.

It is to be noted, however, that Southern Cal is in the lead. It remains to be seen what he thinks of a 3,000 mile plane ride. We'll see. Even if he commits to Southern Cal, it's not over because our coaches are going to have the ability to be all over him until the end of the process.

[lacene]

June 10, 2008
Jeffrey Heading West
By Phil Kornblut

Southern Cal has been the favorite of WR Alshon Jeffrey (6-3 217) of Calhoun County for some time, and Monday night Jeffrey cemented those feelings by committing to Trojans head coach Pete Carroll. "Alshon loved Southern Cal from day one," said a source familiar with Jeffrey's recruiting. "When they got his film three months ago, they loved him then and he got a verbal. Southern Cal had to wait on his grades since their admission standards are higher. Their receivers coach visited Calhoun County and moved Alshon to number one of his list ahead of five others. That's when they really turned up the heat. Last week they requested his transcript, and he had made all A's and B's. That's when they really went after him. When we were at Alabama this weekend, when we were about to leave, he called coach Carroll and he went ahead and committed. Carroll talked to him for about 45 minutes. His family issue, it's a not a big deal about him being away. He doesn't care about that. It's a business decision for him. He's thinking about who is going to better prepare him for the NFL." Jeffrey also has offers from USC, Clemson, Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, NC State, Florida, Florida State, Michigan, and Oregon. He will visit Southern Cal June 24th.

[lacene]

Rivals.com shows Jeffrey as a commitment to SoCal:

http://rivals100.rivals.com/commitlist.asp

[Williams-Brice]

Yep, they updated it not long after I posted that.

I still don't see anyone from this state heading out there.

[lacene]

Some good news: USC got a commitment from LB Quinn Smith of Hickory, NC today.

[Wynnco.com]

June 10, 2008
First Offer In For Small
By Phil Kornblut

RB Travis Small (5-10 183) of Cheraw has his first offer according to his coach Johnny White. It's from Duke. Small camped at USC Monday and is drawing interest from the Gamecocks. "But they are looking for a 4.3 kind of guy," White said. "They are just waiting to see what happens. I don't know how deep he fits into their plans. I know he's on the board. But they'd like for him to be a little faster. He's going to work on that this summer." Small also attend camp at East Carolina. He's also hearing from NC State and North Carolina. Small has rushed for 5500 yards and 66 touchdowns in his career. Last season he rushed for 1964 yards and 22 touchdowns.

[Wynnco.com]

June 10, 2008
Christian Making Camp Stops
By Phil Kornblut

LB Quandon Christian (6-4 210) of Lake View attended camp at USC Tuesday, and then drove up to Clemson where he will camp on Wednesday. "It went pretty good," Christian said of his USC stop. "I think they have a great school. I worked out a little bit, ran the forty, did the vertical. They showed me around the campus. They showed me the weight room and the new room they are building." Christian has not been offered by USC but thinks one will come soon. "They want me to pick up a couple of English classes this summer, and then an offer could come," he said. Christian thinks Clemson will offer him while he's on campus tomorrow. Even if that happens, Christian said he won't make a quick decision. He's also drawn interest from North Carolina, Notre Dame, Boston College, NC State, Rutgers and The Citadel.

[Wynnco.com]

June 10, 2008
Sims Has A Final Four
By Phil Kornblut

ATH David Sims (6-0 215) of Calhoun County has cut his list to a final four according to his coach Walter Wilson. The four survivors are USC, Tennessee, Georgia Tech and NC State. Wilson said Sims has visited all but NC State, and he plans to get there sometime this summer.

[DELTOR]

Quin Smith had 182 tackles and rushed for over 1,000 yards as a fullback all in his junior season. Why aren't more schools on this guy? Not that I'm complaining or anything.

[JerryBeeds]

Quin Smith had 182 tackles and rushed for over 1,000 yards as a fullback all in his junior season. Why aren't more schools on this guy? Not that I'm complaining or anything.

Some kids don't attend all the camps and sometimes their coaches don't do a very good job of helping them get the word out allah Captain Munnerlyn.

[lacene]

Some kids don't attend all the camps and sometimes their coaches don't do a very good job of helping them get the word out allah Captain Munnerlyn.

??

Allāh al-rūḥ al qudus??

[JerryBeeds]

??

Allāh al-rūḥ al qudus??

You know what I meant.:laugh:

[Wynnco.com]

June 11, 2008
Washington Holding With Same Five
By Phil Kornblut

OL Quinton Washington (6-4 315) of Timberland is not attending any camps this summer according to his coach Art Craig. There's really no need as Washington has nine offers to choose from. According to Craig, USC, Clemson, Tennessee, Alabama and Miami are the ones "he feels good about, in no particular order." Washington plans to visit Alabama and Miami this summer. And USC and Clemson will try to get him in for a visit as well. Washington does not have a favorite.

[Wynnco.com]

June 11, 2008
Wherry Shows Stuff At USC Camp
By Phil Kornblut

LB Devin Wherry (6-0 220) of South Pointe attended a USC camp last Friday and hopes the Gamecock coaches liked what they saw of him. "They said I would play linebacker if I came there," said the multi-skilled Wherry who plays running back. He rushed for 1400 yards and 11 touchdowns last season when he didn't play much linebacker because of torn knee cartilage. "After the first couple of games, they want to see how my knee holds up. It's fine now. I talked a lot with coach (Eli) Johnson. He seemed interested." Wherry said USC is his favorite right now. He has offers from SC State, Liberty and Western Carolina. He's also getting interest from Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, North Carolina and NC State. He also has camped at Wake Forest. He will camp Monday at North Carolina and Tuesday at NC State.

[Wynnco.com]

June 11, 2008
Jeffery Has Half-Dozen On His Mind
By Phil Kornblut

Six schools have moved to the forefront with DB DaMario Jeffery (6-3 211) of Columbia. "Of the schools that are being honest with me, I'd have to say they are South Carolina, Oklahoma, Alabama, Auburn, Southern Cal and Virginia Tech," Jeffery said. "Southern Cal is telling me they are recruiting me as a linebacker and I respect that. If you want me as a linebacker, just tell me, because that may be where I end up playing regardless. Right now, Alabama, Auburn and South Carolina are coming at me the hardest." Jeffery was at USC last Saturday for a 7-on-7 camp where he played safety. While there he talked with his recruiter David Reaves and safeties coach Ron Cooper. "I was talking with coach Cooper beforehand and he was telling me how excited he was to see me at safety," Jeffery said. "Me and coach Reaves already have a good relationship. He already knows how good I am so we talk about different stuff like other players and how their recruiting is going and everything like that." Jeffery also plans to visit Auburn and Alabama later this summer. Jeffery, who briefly was committed to Clemson in March, said the Tigers no longer are a consideration. "Clemson is a good school," he said. "It's just not the school for me."

[DELTOR]

"Of the schools that are being honest with me, I'd have to say they are South Carolina, Oklahoma, Alabama, Auburn, Southern Cal and Virginia Tech,"

"Clemson is a good school," he said. "It's just not the school for me."

Hmmmmm...... :headscrat

[lacene]

Will Middleton has decommitted.....Kornblut's snippit sounds like it was a mutual thing.....

[Williams-Brice]

Yeah, it sounds like we dropped him. Very interesting. That doesn't happen often.

[Wynnco.com]

June 12, 2008
Mack Enjoying A Light Summer
By Phil Kornblut

LB Daniel Mack (6-0 198) of Miami is taking things a little easy this summer. He's not attending any camps as a participant. He might go to Florida's Friday Night Lights camp as an observer. USC and Clemson are among his offers and he's gotten fresh letters from his respective recruiters, Robert Gillespie and David Blackwell. He plans to visit both schools between June 30th and July 6th while in the state visiting family in Holly Hill. Both recruiters visited Mack during spring practice. His only other planned visits this summer are to South Florida and Central Florida. He does not have favorites. "I'm evaluating everybody," he said. Some of his other offers are Ole Miss, Purdue, Wisconsin, Auburn, West Virginia, Boston College and Florida.

[Wynnco.com]

June 12, 2008
Middleton Comes Off USC List
By Phil Kornblut

TE Will Middleton (6-5 245) of Marietta, GA., who committed to USC May 9th, no longer is committed. Middleton told Scout.com that after seeing him in camp last week, the Gamecocks were not sure how he would fit into their offense. And he said, he, too, had a change of heart. Middleton said he's looking at several other schools like Akron, Maryland and Rutgers.

[Wynnco.com]

June 12, 2008
Marc To Visit In Palmetto State
By Phil Kornblut

ATH Victor Marc (6-0 205) of Hollywood, FL plans to make visits to USC and Clemson this summer. He hears regularly from USC recruiter Robert Gillespie and Clemson recruiter David Blackwell. "Coach Gillespie and I have a really good relationship," Marc said. "He's a cool coach. And coach Blackwell is a cool coach and basically lets me know it's basically my decision." Marc said he'll trim his list of 17 offers to five by the end of the summer, and he said USC and Clemson will be in the final five. "When nobody knew about me, they showed me the love," he said. Among Marc's other offers are Central Florida, Ohio State, West Virginia, Boston College, North Carolina, South Florida, Florida, Auburn and Maryland. Marc plays quarterback, receiver and safety and is being recruited as an athlete.

[Wynnco.com]

June 12, 2008
Georgia Defensive End At USC Thursday
By Phil Kornblut

DE Chris Crenshaw (6-2 235) of Louisville, GA visited USC Thursday with his coach and did some drills for defensive line coach Brad Lawing. "I toured the facilities and walked out on the field," Crenshaw said. "I toured the weight room and met some of the players. And I talked to coach Hunt. They said they are going to look at my highlight tape from last year and get back to me on an offer." And an offer is what he's hoping for because right now Crenshaw prefers USC. "I would love to be a Gamecock," Crenshaw said. He will visit Georgia Tech Saturday. He has camped at Mississippi State and has an offer from the Bulldogs.

[Wynnco.com]

June 12, 2008
Fordham Sticking With Two, Names Favorite
By Phil Kornblut

DE Aldrick Fordham (6-4 237) of Timberland had planned to attend a Clemson camp Thursday, but a sprained ankle suffered Wednesday in basketball practice forced him to scratch that trip. As it turns out, the trip wasn't that important to Fordham because he's decided to focus on his two offers, USC and Tennessee. "I'm going to visit USC and Tennessee and see which one fits me the best and decide," Fordham said. "USC leads because of location." Fordham said he'll make the visits in July on dates to be determined.

[Wynnco.com]

June 12, 2008
USC Strong With Coffee As Visit Looms
By Phil Kornblut

LB Matt Coffee (5-11 210) of Fort Walton Beach, FL will make an unofficial visit to USC June 28th with his mother. And with USC his current favorite, Coffee could be ready to commit while in Columbia. "I just want to see what it's like up there," Coffee said. "I've never been there. They've been recruiting me the hardest. I hear from coach Beamer almost every other day. I'll know when I get there. It will depend on how my visit goes and how I feel." Coffee currently is at Auburn participating in a seven on seven camp. He also has offers from Ole Miss, NC State, Maryland, Illinois, Southern Miss, Marshall, Iowa State and Mississippi State.

[Wynnco.com]

June 15, 2008
Newton To Visit SEC School Monday
By Phil Kornblut

QB Morgan Newton (6-5 215) of Indianapolis is not attending any camps this summer but he is taking unofficial visits. He has been to Illinios and Purdue and Monday he'll visit Kentucky. Newton made unofficial visits to Clemson and USC in the spring and he said he might get back to the Palmetto State later iin July. Newton said he has not narrowed his list but said some of the schools standing out with him are Clemson, USC, Indiana, Purdue, Kentucky, Florida, Miami, Mississippi State and Penn State. "All of the schools are recruiting me about the same," Newton said. The only head coaches he's talked to on the phone are Urban Meyer of Florida and Ron Zook of Illinois. Newton said he does keep in touch with USC recruiter David Reaves and Clemson recruiter Rob Spence.

[Wynnco.com]

June 15, 2008
Little Gave USC Coaches A Look
By Phil Kornblut

QB Drew Little (6-5 245) of McDonough, GA made an appearance at USC's camp earlier this month and hopes he convinced Steve Spurrier he's worthy of an offer. "It was great working with coach Spurrier," Little said. "I got closer to them. It was fun. And Columbia is beautiful." Little said the Gamecocks are undecided about what to do regarding an offer. "They need to figure out the deal with their quarterbacks (Garcia, McCollom)," Little said. "They may sign two (quarterbacks), one or none." Little also has camped at Alabama, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Kentucky. He has not been offered.

[Wynnco.com]

June 15, 2008
Jeffery At Auburn Sunday
By Phil Kornblut

Columbia DB DeMario Jeffery (6-3 211) spent Sunday at Auburn showing off his skills at a Tiger camp. "I did a lot of one on one drills," Jeffery said. "I also worked on man coverage and different techniques." Jeffery was at USC last Saturday for a seven on seven tournament. He doesn't have any more camp plans at this point. Jeffery said his lead group of schools is USC, Alabama, Auburn, Oklahoma, Michigan and Tennessee. He said he'll try to visit Southern Cal this summer and he might make a return trip to Virginia Tech. Jeffery said he's keeping in regular contact with his USC recruiter David Reaves.

[Wynnco.com]

June 17, 2008
Proctor Picks Up Another ACC Offer
By Phil Kornblut

Georgia Tech became the fourth ACC offer for ATH Everett Proctor (6-2 190) of Fayetteville, NC Saturday when he displayed his talent at their camp. Proctor also has offers from Maryland, NC State, North Carolina, Western Carolina, East Carolina, Illinois and Appalachian State. USC and Clemson also are recruiting him and he hopes to get to a camp at each this summer. "Any school recruiting me as a quarterback is a favorite," Proctor said. Those schools would be Georgia Tech, NC State, East Carolina, Appalachian State and Illinois. And he said USC has told him they want to look at him in camp at the quarterback position. Proctor also can play safety and receiver.

[Wynnco.com]

June 17, 2008
Farms Making The Rounds
By Phil Kornblut

OL Johnnie Farms (6-3 310) of Perry, GA spent last week participating in camps at USC and Alabama. He will go to a camp at North Carolina Friday, and he'll make an unofficial visit to Auburn Saturday. Farms time at USC was his first visit to the school. "I really liked South Carolina," he said. "I talked to the weight coach, and to coach Gillespie and coach Hunt." Farms, who has 38 offers, said he has legitimate interest in all the schools that have offered and is working on narrowing his list by the end of his season. Clemson also is an offer and he's visited there three times. Farms said Florida and Alabama are recruiting him the hardest.

[Wynnco.com]

June 17, 2008
USC Staying Warm With Bostic
By Phil Kornblut

LB Jon Bostic (6-2 225) of Wellington, FL will make some unofficial visits this summer, and one stop might be USC. "South Carolina was one of the first schools to come after me," Bostic said. "Plus, a couple of players from the area are playing up there. My dad is very interested in looking at South Carolina." Bostic has 27 offers which include Clemson, Southern Cal, Michigan, LSU, Miami, Florida, Auburn, Florida's State and West Virginia. He visited Miami last week and he plans to visit Florida and LSU in the coming weeks. He does not have a favorite.

[Wynnco.com]

June 17, 2008
Jackson Drops In At USC
By Phil Kornblut

6-5 Lakeem Jackson of Arden, NC made an unofficial visit to USC earlier this month, his second trip to Columbia to check out the Gamecocks. "I liked it, it was nice," said Jackson who was joined on the visits by his mother and brother. "I've been talking to coach Horn the longest (of all the coaches). Western Kentucky was one of my first offers." Jackson also has offers from Clemson, Marquette and Georgia Tech. He has not visited Clemson yet but has been in touch with the Tigers. And he plans to visit Georgia Tech this summer. He does not have a favorite and could have a decision by the end of the summer.

[Wynnco.com]

June 17, 2008
USC, Klimp Sin Make In-State Offers
By Phil Kornblut

USC and Clemson have made offers to in-state prospects on opposite ends of the state. The Gamecocks offered DB Jimmy LeGree (6-0 170) of Beaufort. LeGree camped at USC and Clemson and plans to camp at NC State later in the month. He can play safety and corner and is being recruited primarily for corner. Last season he had 70 tackles and six interceptions and was all region. With the offer the Gamecocks have moved to the front of the line with LeGree.

Clemson offered TE Desmond Parks (6-6 215) OF Greer. He attended the Tigers camp last week and was at a Florida camp over the weekend. Florida is to let him know Friday about an offer, and the Gators appear to be his favorite right now. But he does plan to make a return trip to Clemson Friday. Parks also has offers from North Carolina, Presbyterian and Western Carolina. He's also getting interest from USC, Vanderbilt and NC State.

[usc roosters7]

i'm excited about aramis hillary

[Wynnco.com]

June 18, 2008
Bonds To Visit Tennessee This Weekend
By Phil Kornblut

DE Chris Bonds (6-4 283) of Richland Northeast will make an unofficial visit to Tennessee this weekend his mother said Wednesday. Bonds has not visited any schools or been to any camps this summer, Ginger Miller said, because his football schedule has kept him locked down. "He's weightlifting three days a week, he has defensive skills on Tuesday and practice Thursday, so his weeks have been filled." Bonds also is rehabbing his surgically repaired left knee, and his mother said he's "spending a lot of time building back up." Bonds has not trimmed his list but Miller said his top group right now, in no order, is USC, Southern Cal, Michigan, Notre Dame and Alabama. "That's probably not going to change," Miller said. As for official visits in the fall, Miami, Michigan and Notre Dame probably would be three of them according to his mother.

[Williams-Brice]

What also not likely to change is the fact that it's a USC - Southern Cal battle for Bonds.

[Wynnco.com]

June 18, 2008
USC Offers NYC Prospect
By Phil Kornblut

6-7 James Padgett of Brooklyn has picked up an offer from USC. Padgett said he also has offers from Houston, Provident, West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Rutgers and St. Johns. "I'm wide open to every school," he said. "I might take some visits later this summer. I don't have a favorite." Padgett said USC, St. Johns, Pittsburgh, Providence and West Virginia are recruiting him the hardest. Right now he does not plan to sign until the spring.

[SCRooster68]

What also not likely to change is the fact that it's a USC - Southern Cal battle for Bonds.

What do think our chances are at this point with him?

[Wynnco.com]

June 19, 2008
USC Among Favorites Of Georgia DE
By Phil Kornblut

DE Izaan Cross (6-5 253) of Flowery Branch, GA says USC, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Oklahoma and NC State currently make up his favorites list, but added that the list changes on a daily basis. He attended a one day camp at Georgia Tech and is unsure about future camp stops, and he has no unofficial visits planned. Cross said USC is making a strong effort to bring him to Columbia. "I get a lot of handwritten mail from coach Beamer," he said. "He's showing me a lot of love. I have a feeling I might make a decision within a couple of months, but it could be within a couple of weeks." Cross said Central Florida was the other school showing the most consistent strong interest. Some of his other offers are Wake Forest, West Virginia, Florida State, Arkansas, Louisville, North Carolina and South Florida.

[Wynnco.com]

June 20, 2008
Green Visiting South Florida This Weekend
By Phil Kornblut

WR James Green (6-4 200) of Tallahassee, FL is making an unofficial visit to South Florida this weekend. And he plans to visit USC July 21st. "I'm hearing a lot from South Carolina," Green said. "Coach Beamer was at practice during the spring. He said I'm a big, physical receiver and run great routes. He said I can have a good future at USC." Green said USC and South Florida are his top two with Auburn, Central Florida, Ole Miss and NC State rounding out his top six.

[Wynnco.com]

June 20, 2008
Dixon Checking Out South Florida
By Phil Kornblut

DB Ricardo Dixon (6-0 175) of Hallandale, FL will visit South Florida this weekend with his family. He is scheduled to visit USC next weekend and he says that trip is still on. "I just want to see how the environment is and if it's a place I'd like to go," Dixon said. Kentucky is the latest offer for Dixon. He said his favorites, and the order, remains the same as couple of weeks ago...South Florida, USC, Florida State, Auburn, Rutgers, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Central Florida, Clemson and Georgia.

[Wynnco.com]

June 20, 2008
USC Pushing For Florida Safety
By Phil Kornblut

DB Kayvon Webster (5-11 180) of Miami will camp at South Florida this weekend. He has been to LSU and Ole Miss for camps and will be at Alabama for a camp in July. USC is among his offers and the Gamecock recruiter Robert Gillespie continues to work him. "He's telling me I can be a great player there and make history," Webster said. "I could be an impact player." Webster said he's in touch with Gillespie about once a week. The Gamecocks like him as a safety. Some of his other offers are Auburn, West Virginia, Floridas, Louisville, Virginia, Wisconsin, Purdue, Boston College, Tennessee and Miami. He does not have favorites. Last season Webster had 90 tackles and one interception, and as a receiver he totaled 30 receptions for 500 yards and 8 touchdowns.

[Wynnco.com]

June 22, 2008
Sims In Raleigh Over The Weekend
By Phil Kornblut

ATH David Sims (6-0 215) of Calhoun County visited NC State over the weekend. The Wolfpack is recruiting Sims as a running back. Sims now has visited all four of his favorites. The other three are USC, Tennessee and Georgia Tech. His teammate, WR and Southern Cal commitment Alshon Jeffrey, flies to Los Angeles Tuesday to visit and camp at Southern Cal. He remains firm in his pledge to the Trojans.

[Wynnco.com]

June 22, 2008
South Florida Hits The Trifecta
By Phil Kornblut

WR James Green (6-4 200) of Tallahassee, ATH Victor Marc (6-0 205) of Hollywood, FL and DB Ricardo Dixon of Hollywood all committed to South Florida Saturday while on the campus for a camp according to the Miami Herald. All three players have offers from USC, and Clemson offered Marc and Dixon. The trio were teammates last year at Krop High in Miami before transferring to their new schools, and they decided they wanted to reunite in college. Marc and Dixon were quoted in the story as saying they will continue making visits to other schools.

[Wynnco.com]

June 22, 2008
Bonds To Meet Fulmer Monday
By Phil Kornblut

Richland Northeast DE Chris Bonds (6-4 283) will meet with Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer Monday in Knoxville. Bonds, his mother and younger sister drove to Knoxville Sunday. The primary purpose of the trip was to take his sister to softball camp, but Bonds decided it would be a good opportunity for an unofficial visit as well. Because of his football commitments at RNE, Bonds has not visited any schools this summer except for going over to USC to observe their seven on seven tournament a couple of weeks ago. Bonds confirmed Sunday what his mother had said earlier in the week about his top schools. In no order, they are USC, Southern Cal, Michigan, Notre Dame and Alabama. And he does plan to set official visits in the fall with Miami, Notre Dame and Michigan.

[Wynnco.com]

June 23, 2008
USC Still A Factor With Ray
By Phil Kornblut

USC has been in pursuit of WR Lance Ray (6-3 190) of Havana, FL for months, and the Gamecocks remain a factor as the recruiting campaign hits the summer stretch. "Everything is still good with me and South Carolina," Ray said. "I talked to coach Beamer last week. South Carolina, South Florida, Central Florida and Arkansas are standing out with me at this time." Ray added that one of his official visits this fall will be to USC. Ray recently camped at Florida and South Florida. "Florida was very impressed with me," he said. "I talked to a lot of their coaches." Ray was not offered by the Gators at the camp. He will visit Auburn and LSU in July, and he's going to try to make it to USC and Florida State. Ray recently added offers from Marshall, Connecticut and Kentucky.

[Wynnco.com]

June 23, 2008
McClendon Making Camp Stops
By Phil Kornblut

LB Quinn McClendon (6-4 215) of Sumter attended one day camps at USC and Clemson and might go to Virginia Tech for a one day camp as well. According to Sumter assistant coach Grayson Howell, the Clemson coaches seemed to like what they saw of McClendon who has an offer from Kentucky. "They want to watch him during the season," Howell said. "They looked at him at inside linebacker and bandit end. Everybody loves him when they see him.. He's being projected as a defensive end."

Howell added that a young prospect on the team the colleges are starting to recognize is junior QB Stephen Curtis (6-3 205). He also went to camps at USC and Clemson. "Physically, he's what they're looking for," Howell said. Curtis also is hearing from Tennessee and Maryland. Last season he passed for 1800 yards and 18 touchdowns and completed 58% of his passes.

[JerryBeeds]

Our recruiting blows hard right now. Clemson is widening the hell out the talent gap. I just don't understand how Tammy does it. I know its early but things aren't shaping up very well for us right now.

[JerryBeeds]

Duke is having a better class than us so far.

[Wynnco.com]

June 25, 2008
Georgia Tight End To Visit USC
By Phil Kornblut

TE Justin Jones (6-8 250) of Conyers, GA hopes to get to USC this week for an unofficial visit. If he doesn't make it in this week, he plans to visit in July. Jones has taken visits to Clemson, Mississippi State, Alabama and Kentucky. He was at Clemson for a camp earlier in the month. Jones said he gets mail from USC every day and he calls recruiter Ron Cooper every so often. He might go to Vanderbilt for a camp next month. His offers are USC, Kentucky, UAB , East Carolina, Akron and Delaware. He does not have favorites.

[lacene]

Per Rivals, 3* OLB Brent Singleton (6-0, 194) out of Plantation (FL) American Heritage has committed to us today:

Brent Singleton - Football Recruiting (http://southcarolina.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=80509)

[lacene]

June 26, 2008
Coffee Visiting USC This Weekend
By Phil Kornblut

LB Matt Coffee (5-11 210) of Fort Walton Beach, FL will make an unofficial visit to USC this weekend with his mother. Coffee will arrive Friday night and stay thru Sunday. "I'm excited," Coffee said. "I just want to see what it's about up there. I just want to see what it's about." Coffee has been strong on the Gamecocks, and they lead for him going into his trip. And, it's possible a commitment could come out of his trip. "Maybe, it really depends on what it's like when I'm there," Coffee said. He talked with recruiter Shane Beamer Wednesday night. Coffee also has offers from Ole Miss, NC State, Maryland, Illinois, Southern Miss, Marshall, Iowa State and Mississippi State.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Word on the street is 4* Coffee could commit to us during this trip. I wonder if Williams-Brice has heard anything?

[lacene]

Our recruiting blows hard right now. Clemson is widening the hell out the talent gap. I just don't understand how Tammy does it. I know its early but things aren't shaping up very well for us right now.

Beeds, everyone is talking big about a camp that we're putting on in July....it's apparently similar to the "Friday Night Lights" camp that UF runs, and most of our biggest targets are expecting to attend. Hopefully we'll get a number of commitments then. Either way, we have a number of recruits that we're in great standing with that have mentioned they want to make their decisions before their senior seasons start, so the action for us should start to heat up during the next 2 months......

[JerryBeeds]

Beeds, everyone is talking big about a camp that we're putting on in July....it's apparently similar to the "Friday Night Lights" camp that UF runs, and most of our biggest targets are expecting to attend. Hopefully we'll get a number of commitments then. Either way, we have a number of recruits that we're in great standing with that have mentioned they want to make their decisions before their senior seasons start, so the action for us should start to heat up during the next 2 months......

I have come down from the ledge. I just don't understand how Clemson is doing it. A lot of recruits are just taking a wait and see approach with us. If we tank like last year our recruiting will suffer. If we can win 8 games I expect we'll be top 15.

[lacene]

I have come down from the ledge. I just don't understand how Clemson is doing it. A lot of recruits are just taking a wait and see approach with us. If we tank like last year our recruiting will suffer. If we can win 8 games I expect we'll be top 15.

I hear ya....I personally feel like this has been one of the longest damn football offseasons I have ever gone through. A big reason is I never bothered to follow recruiting like I have the past 2 seasons......or esp. like this one. I usually go off and do other things, and the time passes faster.

But our one 6-6 season has impacted 2 recruiting classes thus far, IMO. It made the '08 class a bit less than it couldv'e been had we not had those 5 losses in a row. And it's making recruits hesitate and wait on us with the '09 class, to see if we rebound from last season, or have another poor one. This time last year, Gamecock Nation was ecstatic over the class we pulled in, and it was just from a 7-5 season and a bowl win over Houston. I can't wait for the season to start, so we can get back to winning games, and get this stench off of us....

I do agree that if we have another 8-win season, we'll have a solid '09 class, and a better start for the '10 class, as well.

One reason I feel that Clemson is doing so well with their recruiting, is because of Spurrier, our beating them in '06, and our '07 class. They simply have racheted up their efforts, and are working the recruits harder. They are responding to our first moves. The thing is, they haven't had a 6-6 season like we did to derail their efforts. Coming so close to winning their division last season has given them a strong pitch to throw at recruits and their parents that Clemson is just a step away from winning their conference. Really, they SHOULD be bringing in solid classes, or they should be getting new recruiters......

[SCFan34]

Commitment #5 looks to be in the books

Fl Weakside LB Brent Singleton

No ranking yet by Scout, but Rivals has him as a 3-star. Anyone know anything about this player?

I am not much on stars!!

[Williams-Brice]

Singleton is a good prospect. Tony Morrell says that he'd be the #1 LB in SC if he played in this state. I'm all for taking these south Florida guys. Plus, Singleton has some strong connections in a talented area. He has already been in touch with several guys since committing yesterday.

In terms of our recruiting, I know it's easy to get bogged down right now. We need to remember that we are ahead of the pace we're usually at at this point, and I say that not necessarily due to how many commitments we have, but because of how many big time players who are heavily favoring us. The frustration with recruiting right now is coming from losing to Vandy, which sparked a 5 game losing streak and caused us to finish 6-6. Couple that with whatever the upstate orange is doing, and you've got level-headed guys like Beeds on the ledge. Everyone needs to take a lesson from Beeds and come step down.

I've said this before, and I'll say it again: The current season affects the high school junior class the most. Going 6-6 hurt our story with recruits last year, yes. Heck, TJ Lawrence committed to Carolina after the UNC game last year. However, the perception out there is that Carolina is on the down trend, and that Spurrier is gradually stepping away from the program. That's why you're seeing big time players pull the trigger elsewhere and the guys who favor us (Demario, Bonds, Washington, etc.) are in wait and see mode. Winning puts a cork in the mouths of the national media and our rival recruiters. Winning will cause several of the guys we want to pull the trigger, and it'll put us in position to make a move on this year's junior class (Lattimore et al).

If you listed to Jay and Duce yesterday on 107.5 The Game, you know how Clemson is winning the battle for recruits in this state. It has nothing to do with Bowden. It has nothing to do with Clemson itself. It has to do with one man: Brad Scott. When Brad was fired here after not living up to his end of the deal, he developed (for whatever reason) a real vendetta against this school. He really feels as though he was treated poorly here, even though looking at his record will easily show that his firing was definitely justifiable. Brad easily could have gone somewhere other than the upstate and gotten an offensive coordinator spot. Instead, he chose to join a staff on which he has had several different positions and only called plays for one year. He has coached tight ends. He has been the assistant offensive line coach. Tommy could have given his play calling duties to Scott, but he chose to give them to Rob Spence. Why? Because Brad Scott has one job to do, and he does it well: Recruit against the University of South Carolina. Brad Scott was raiding this state before he even came to Columbia. The state of South Carolina's recruiting base belonged to Florida State in the early 1990's. Then Brad came to Columbia, and he formed even stronger relationships with the high school coaches. Brad has been recruiting in this state going on 20 years, and now he has "real" (aka fabricated by his imagination) ammo against this program.

There are only a few things that can turn the tide that has become Tiger recruiting. These include the hiring of Ellis Johnson, who is probably just as established as Brad Scott in this state, winning the SEC, and beating Clemson. That's why the hiring of Johnson was a homerun. We've got to start making strides at the latter two starting this season.

[kokocock]

There are many reasons I come to this board...but none more than to see if WB has left a post!!!!!

[Wynnco.com]

June 26, 2008
Georgia Safety Rolling In The Offers
By Phil Kornblut

DB Darren Myles (6-2 185) of Atlanta has offers from nearly every SEC school including USC. Clemson also has offered along with Notre Dame, Purdue, West Virginia, Rutgers, Ohio State, Georgia Tech and others. Myles is getting serious interest from the Tigers and Gamecocks. "Several Clemson coaches were in this spring," he said. "It was the whole defensive staff. Coach Cooper also was in from South Carolina. I could tell coach Cooper was really interested." Myles said USC, Rutgers and Tennessee are recruiting him the hardest right now. He plans to announce his decision after his season at the Under Armour All American Game.

[Wynnco.com]

June 26, 2008
Coffee Visiting USC This Weekend
By Phil Kornblut

LB Matt Coffee (5-11 210) of Fort Walton Beach, FL will make an unofficial visit to USC this weekend with his mother. Coffee will arrive Friday night and stay thru Sunday. "I'm excited," Coffee said. "I just want to see what it's about up there. I just want to see what it's about." Coffee has been strong on the Gamecocks, and they lead for him going into his trip. And, it's possible a commitment could come out of his trip. "Maybe, it really depends on what it's like when I'm there," Coffee said. He talked with recruiter Shane Beamer Wednesday night. Coffee also has offers from Ole Miss, NC State, Maryland, Illinois, Southern Miss, Marshall, Iowa State and Mississippi State.

[Wynnco.com]

June 27, 2008
Jones Picks SEC Team
By Phil Kornblut

TE Justin Jones (6-8 250) of Conyers, GA committed Friday morning to Kentucky. Jones also had offers from USC, UAB, East Carolina, Akron and Delaware. Jones said Friday he made a brief visit to USC Wednesday.

[Wynnco.com]

June 29, 2008
Hart Still Waiting On Breakthrough Offer
By Phil Kornblut

OL Thomas Hart (6-4 290) of Orangeburg-Wilkinson knows schools want to see what he can do this season before making an offer since he missed all of last season with a torn ACL in his left knee. He has not been to any camps this summer. He was supposed to go to NC State for a camp but didn't make it. USC also invited him in for a camp in June but he missed that one, too. He said he might get to USC in July. Hart said he talked to Gamecock recruiter Shane Beamer a couple of weeks ago. "Last I heard, USC was close on offering," he said. Hart also has drawn some interest from Clemson, Florida, LSU and Louisville.

[Wynnco.com]

June 29, 2008
Orr Has USC & Klimp Sin On List
By Phil Kornblut

DE Anthony Orr (6-5 260) of Harvest, AL camped at Auburn and Alabama earlier this summer and might go to USC, Tennessee and LSU in July. Orr said he continues to hear from USC and Clemson, both of which have offered, and he's still interested in both. Orr also has offers from Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, Central Florida, Mississippi State and UAB. He does not have favorites.

[Wynnco.com]

June 29, 2008
Coffee Wraps Up USC Visit
By Phil Kornblut

LB Matt Coffee (5-11 210) of Fort Walton Beach, FL made an unofficial visit to USC over the weekend, and he left Columbia with little doubt in hs mind about where he'll play his college football. "I didn't commit then but they are my leader now and I'm really feeling good about them," Coffee said. "I'm going to commit soon, probably by the end of the summer. I loved the campus and I really liked the stadium. They are building some new stuff like the academic center and the training room. It's going to be nice. Coach Spurrier was out of town and coach Johnson was attending a wedding, so I spent most of my time with coach Beamer." Coffee also has offers from Ole Miss, NC State, Maryland, Illinois, Southern Miss, Marshall, Iowa State and Mississippi State. Coffee's brother plays at Alabama, but he says an offer from the Crimson Tide wouldn't change his feeling about USC. "I wouldn't jump on an offer," he said. "I would stick with USC."

[Wynnco.com]

June 30, 2008
Five A Factor With Gilmore
By Phil Kornblut

ATH Stephon Gilmore (6-2 195) of South Pointe is spending most of his summer focusing on getting ready for his senior season according to his coach Bobby Carroll. He has visited USC and Clemson and he attended a camp at Alabama. Those three are in the mix for Gilmore, according to Carroll, along with Tennessee and Ohio State. Carroll said Gilmore might take a visit to Ohio State this summer.

WR Charles Holmes (6-3 210) was offered recently by USC according to Carroll. Gamecock recruiter Ellis Johnson scouted Holmes in the spring and liked him a lot, though Carroll said Holmes will be close on his grades. Holmes also has offers from Buffalo and Akron. Southern Cal has inquired about him as well.

Carroll added that NC State appears close to offering LB Devin Wherry (6-0 220). He has offers from SC State, Liberty and Western Carolina.

[Wynnco.com]

June 30, 2008
Florida DE A USC Target
By Phil Kornblut

USC is one of many offers for DE David Gilbert (6-4 215) of Oakland Park, FL, and it's a former Gamecock standout that has captured Gilbert's imagination. "They said I run like John Abraham," Gilbert said. "He's my favorite defensive player in the entire world. He's just so fast." Gilbert said he gets plenty of mail from USC recruiter Robert Gillespie, and he said he calls the Gamecock assistant on a regular basis. "I'm looking for where I can play early," Gilbert said. "I'll also be looking for the academics I want to study and how well I get along with the players." Gilbert has not visited any schools this summer nor has he been to any camps. He does not have any favorites. His other offers are Louisville, Pittsburgh, Florida International, Minnesota, Purdue, Iowa State, Vanderbilt, Connecticut, Central Florida, Kansas State, Wisconsin, Marshall, Indiana, Arkansas State and Florida Atlantic. He's also getting interest from Miami. In seven games last season, Gilbert 57 tackles with nine sacks and eight tackles for loss.

[DELTOR]

Matt Coffee just committed. Welcome to Columbia, Mr. Coffee. Glad to have you on board. Rivals has him as a four star athlete. I think we're recruiting him as a LB. Much needed. Go Cocks!

[lacene]

Matt Coffee just committed. Welcome to Columbia, Mr. Coffee. Glad to have you on board. Rivals has him as a four star athlete. I think we're recruiting him as a LB. Much needed. Go Cocks!

Great news!! I was afraid that Alabama might sneak in and nab him, with his brother being on the Tide team......but after his visit, he seemed like he wanted to pull the trigger so badly......

[lacene]

July 01, 2008

Georgia Linebacker Likes USC

By Phil Kornblut
USC has emerged as the current front runner for LB Jonathan Davis (5-10 205) of Tucker, GA his father said Tuesday. "I would say South Carolina would be his favorite right now," Ty Davis said. "Then it would be Georgia, Auburn and Miami. We visited South Carolina and walked around the campus, and we liked the campus. I want to meet with some administrators to get a better feel for it. I want to send my son to a school where he's going to be comfortable." Davis plans to contact USC recruiter Ron Cooper tonight to set up a date for an unofficial visit. Davis also has an offer from Clemson and