W
Wes Mitchell
Guest
As you probably know by now, South Carolina is set to host Virginia transfer portal linebacker West Weeks on a visit today (Friday) and our latest indications point to the Gamecocks being in fantastic shape with Weeks, even before the visit.
When Weeks first entered the portal we thought the Gamecocks would have a great shot here. When he first scheduled a visit to Southern Cal, it made us pause for a moment, but now that that visit is in the books and the trip to Columbia is here, we feel good about the Gamecocks current position.
The fact that Weeks already visited the school during his high school recruiting process certainly doesn't hurt here and he's originally from Oconee County where Zeb Noland's dad is the coach so there's a high level of respect there for Shane Beamer and what he's doing.
For those who have been following along in our little (sort of lighthearted) mini portal tracker, I have officially added Weeks to that list.
We'll get more into Weeks' full skillset if he does indeed become a Gamecock, but the quick version is that he's already SEC sized or very close to it (6-2, 220), made an immediate impact as a true freshman at the Power 5 level, and can play true linebacker or rush the passer when asked.
I don't know for a fact that they're a true "package deal" but it certainly can't hurt the Gamecocks with class of 2023 three-star ATH Whit Weeks if they have his older brother in the program.
The younger Weeks has emerged as a priority target for the Gamecocks and it's safe to say, to steal Chris Clark's verbiage, they'll have a seat at the proverbial table with Whit if not the spot at the head of the table.
Whit is visiting the Gamecocks on Saturday.
** I don't yet have the next names to watch out for as far as the transfer portal goes but as a reminder, the Gamecocks basically have three spots left for this class.
On top of the obvious possibility of Weeks taking one of those slots, I think for the other two you'll see Carolina take a sort of targeted best available approach with the final slots with some combination of wide receiver, running back and offensive tackle being the priority.
** My info continues to point to South Carolina as the favorite for Camden class of 2023 defensive lineman Xzavier McLeod.
South Carolina defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey, who has been all over McLeod's recruitment, and defensive coordinator Clayton White are expected by his school today on what is the first day of a new open recruiting period.
McLeod has been a mainstay on Carolina's campus and I would expect him back at some point in the next two weeks as the Gamecocks are holding junior days both this Saturday and next.
There is also a chance that McLeod takes a trip to UGA during that two week frame and the Bulldogs are currently the Gamecocks biggest competition. But again, I feel really good about Carolina's current position.
** I don't have this completely 100 percent confirmed at this point, but I know it was also in the plans for White and Lindsey to possibly stop by Sumter today too. The timing of that visit is a little bit fluid but is definitely possible for today. Class of 2023 four-star DE Monteque Rhames is a major priority for the Gamecocks in that class too and Rhames is expected to take in one of the junior days as well.
** Another priority in-state prospect in Dillon (S.C.) 2024 offensive tackle Josiah Thompson is set to be at South Carolina's junior day on Saturday and then will take in the men's basketball game as well.
Miami is set to stop by Dillon today and Clemson and Notre Dame will see him next week.
It's still early for him but I like Carolina's current position.
** Quick team note: We're told that all of the current players who had long-term injuries - Luke Doty, Dylan Wonnum, Sherrod Greene, Rick Sandidge - are progressing very well in their rehab processes.
Obviously, each guy is coming along at his own pace but all are expected to be able to participate in spring ball in at least some capacity.
I want to commend Doty as well.
Those of you who were at the bowl game may have noticed that he was out there in a boot. Despite Carolina bringing in a transfer QB and despite the season not going the way he hoped with the injury, he was same old high energy Luke Doty, locked into the huddle, on the headset, engaged and encouraging his teammates.
I am told that Doty has been nothing other than awesome since the news of Rattler joining the program was shared with the QB room and that he and Rattler have already connected and that Doty plans to continue to compete and push just as he always has. He is the definition of what you want in a player.
** Hopefully you already read our Inside the hire piece on what to expect from Sterling Lucas. In the time since we put that out, we received an unprompted text from a mutual friend who had this to say about Sterling:
"Sterling Lucas is a great hire. Will stand on the table for that guy. Rising star. Will be a great fit."
** I need to get you guys some more names for tomorrow's junior day but I've got to run for now so be on the lookout for that later on today...
------------
Today’s Carolina Confidential is brought to you by Herring Insurance Services. Call, email, or PM Gamecock Central member Brent Herring today to discuss your home and auto insurance needs.
Located in Lexington but serving all of the Carolinas
803-356-0763
Brent@BrentHerring.com
@BHerring06
Last edited by a moderator:
