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Wes Mitchell
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Chris and I were on hand at the Rivals Camp Series Atlanta stop on Sunday where we had the chance to watch and interact with several top South Carolina targets from the southeast.
You've probably noticed some of our story content already from the event throughout the week and that will continue into next week.
Here's a look at the latest with some of the big names from the event and I should have enough left over for another CC as well...
** South Carolina is working to get Fitzgerald (Ga.) class of 2022 three-star linebacker EJ Lightsey in on an official visit this summer, a trip that he says isn't completely set up yet but that he's planning to take, possibly for the June 11 weekend.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Lightsey has emerged as a priority for defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Clayton White and Lightsey also has the Gamecocks among his top group.
Lightsey, who likes the relationship he's built with White and the way the Gamecocks want to use him as the MIKE in their scheme, was one of the top LB performers at the Atlanta Rivals Camp Sunday, is high on the Gamecocks but it isn't at the point in the process that I'd be comfortable making predictions on as he has a number of schools he is still considering.
Florida State already has an official locked up for June 4 which gives the impression the Noles may be the Gamecocks' top competition at the moment, though it's also worth noting that there may be other linebackers higher on the board for FSU than Lightsey though they are still recruiting him hard.
Lightsey also plans to take official visits to Auburn, Florida and Tennessee and seems highly interested in Georgia Tech and Georgia as well. All of those have offered.
** Irmo (S.C.) Dutch Fork class of 2022 WR Antonio Williams was in Columbia Sunday, choosing to attend the Gamecocks spring game along with several teammates and some family members, a trip that I'm told went well even though he wasn't allowed by NCAA rule to meet with the staff.
While at one time it appeared that Williams may potentially be closing in on a commitment somewhat soon, right now the plan is for him to wait and take some official visits in the fall.
The good news for the Gamecocks is that Williams will be in Columbia this summer to meet with the staff for an unofficial visit. He also plans to camp at Clemson.
There's still a ways to go here but I continue to like the Gamecocks' early position.
** Sticking with Dutch Fork receivers, class of 2023 wide receiver Devin Hyatt was one of the best receivers on hand at Sunday's camp and received an invite back for the Rivals Underclassman Challenge, a national event set for the summer.
Much like with Williams, the combination of Justin Stepp and DF grad Erik Kimrey have worked hard to make sure Hyatt knows exactly how much he's wanted right down the road in Columbia and Hyatt seems interested in watching the program's progress this year.
Obviously, Tennessee has a connection here with his brother being there but I don't get the impression that the younger Hyatt is a lock to anywhere at this point and he told me he's just sort of taking in the process right now and seeing where it goes.
Hyatt will hit the camp circuit this summer with South Carolina as a definite stop. He also plans to camp at Clemson, Alabama and Georgia.
** South Carolina will continue to swing at landing Hilton Head (S.C.) class of 2022 four-star LB Jaylen Sneed who we would currently categorize as a long shot based on what he told us in Atlanta.
When asked about the Gamecocks, Sneed told us that he really likes White and the new staff but that he has his sights more on getting out of state to play his college ball. Asked a bit more about South Carolina and Sneed did say that he will likely visit USC this summer, unofficially, in order to meet the new staff in person. That may serve as one of the few opportunities for the Gamecocks to make a move.
But right now Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas A&M, and Alabama appear to be the major players in his recruitment with the Fighting Irish as the perceived favorites.
** College Park (Ga.) Woodward Academy class of 2022 four-star RB Damari Alston is looking at taking an unofficial visit to South Carolina on June 9, a trip that's sort of planned but that I didn't get the feeling is completely locked in.
Whenever there's a new assistant at a position, the recruiting board can shift and Alston falls in the category of a prospect who wasn't really prioritized (they were focused on other backs) previously but that Montario Hardesty has worked Carolina into position with.
I'd still call Carolina a longshot here but Hardesty has certainly moved them into the conversation spurred by a successful recent virtual visit.
Alston plans an unofficial visit to Florida on June 1, an official visit to an undecided school (potentially LSU) on June 4, an unofficial to Georgia Tech on June 11, an official to Northwestern on the 18th and an official to Penn State on the 25th.
He also plans to take an official visit to Florida State at the beginning of the season.
** Go ahead and lock Dorchester (S.C.) Woodland class of 2024 offensive tackle Kam Pringle into your mind as a name to know coming up in the state.
Despite only being a rising sophomore, Pringle is already headed towards future national level status and when the young prospect walked into the camp and then measured in at 6-foot-6 1/4, 300-pounds, he garnered more than a few "who the **** is that?" reactions from the media guys who weren't familiar with the Palmetto State talent.
Pringle also has an early offer from South Carolina - which he landed earlier this month - as well as Georgia, Arizona State, Memphis and Middle Tennessee State, so he's off to a great start to the process.
Pringle, who told me he had been hoping for a Gamecock offer for some time, plans to camp in Columbia in June, which will be his first real chance to take a look at the program in person. Florida, Georgia, Clemson and maybe North Carolina and N.C. State will also get camp stops.
South Carolina, Florida, Clemson and Georgia are some early favorites here. But again, remember this name!
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