ADVERTISEMENT

Insider Report - May 27

Status
Not open for further replies.

Chris Clark

Football/Recruiting Insider
Jan 3, 2005
94,526
117,040
113
One of South Carolina's biggest in-state targets is Bamberg (SC) Bamberg-Ehrhardt four-star defensive lineman Martin Aiken. From what I have gathered from sources, the biggest competitors for the 6-foot-3, 245-pounder is (in alphabetical order) Auburn, Clemson, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

I'm told that Aiken is planning on making summer visits to Tennessee, Georgia Tech, and both in-state programs before he renders an early decision in July. Aiken plays things close to the vest and has not really shown his hand in terms of an overall leader, but from what I have been told South Carolina is one of the programs that stands a really good chance of landing a commitment from him. I think this summer's visit to Columbia will be key in terms of continuing to forge a relationship with USC defensive line coach Brad Lawing. A good relationship with his future position coach is a big factor with Aiken, and I'm also told proximity to his Bamberg home could play a role as well. Jay Graham has done a nice job taking over Aiken's recruitment after Shane Beamer, who was very well-respected in Bamberg, left for Virginia Tech.

Another prospect down in the Florida Panhandle that Gamecock special teams/SPURS coach John Butler recently checked up on was Tallahassee (FL) Godby linebacker Kadeem Thomas. The 6-foot, 230-pounder has offers from Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisville, and NC State, but he's someone that the Gamecock staff wants to have in camp and get a closer look at before making a decision on him.

One 2013 prospect in the Palmetto State who may see his stock rise over the summer is Santee (SC) Lake Marion's Mike Williams. Clemson recently offered, and South Carolina has also had both Steve Spurrier, Jr. and Jay Graham (his actual recruiter of record) by the school during the spring. Florida and Alabama have also begun to step up their interest in the 6-foot-3, 175-pounder and I understand they have both indicated he could be an early offer candidate for their programs. As far as the Gamecocks, they remain interested as well and could also offer Williams sometime in the near future, particularly if they got a chance to see him in camp over the summer.

2012 WR prospect Bryce King from Dillon are going to be taking a road trip next weekend to Auburn, LSU, and Alabama from Friday until Monday. From what I'm hearing the opinion is that Alabama could step in and offer Smith sometime soon. Smith is camping at USC this summer so that wide receivers coach Steve Spurrier, Jr. can work with him in person and if the Gamecocks offer, I believe they will ultimately be a major factor based on what I have been told.

As for Park, I have a hard time envisioning him not getting an offer after participating in Carolina's lineman camp in mid-June. In terms of early favorites, he's a quiet young man and it's likely too early for that anyways. I can tell you that I hear he has cultivated an excellent relationship with USC offensive line coach Shawn Elliott. The two keep in regular contact and I'm told Elliott has a closer bond that any other recruiter from another school so far.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest posts

ADVERTISEMENT

Go Big.
Get Premium.

Join Rivals to access this premium section.

  • Say your piece in exclusive fan communities.
  • Unlock Premium news from the largest network of experts.
  • Dominate with stats, athlete data, Rivals250 rankings, and more.
Log in or subscribe today Go Back