With the possibility on the board that four-star linebacker Channing Tindall could announce a decision later this month, here’s the latest we’ve rounded up on the in-state defender’s recruitment.
We could not rule out an additional time frame change, given that Tindall has done so more than once in the past during this process. South Carolina has been the common denominator all along, whether it’s been Auburn, Florida, or Georgia that’s been the 1-2 running mate with the Gamecocks during the process, which Tindall has said he would like to wrap up by the end of this month.
Tindall is not a prospect that communicates a ton even with the college staffs that are recruiting him, so from that standpoint he’s difficult to read. The thought is currently that it is now Georgia and South Carolina that are the two biggest threats to land him. Georgia has seemingly made up some ground from where it was several weeks ago, while USC has always had a strong chance.
South Carolina’s start to the 2017 season has helped, particularly with how the defense has played and the development within the linebacking corps. Another local product, TJ Brunson, has blossomed under Coleman Hutzler, Travaris Robinson, and Will Muschamp and that’s something that’s been pointed out to Tindall and something he’s noticed. There’s ample opportunity to see the field early in Columbia. He’s also spoken in the past of USC appealing to him because of the ability to step in and help to change the program.
In gathering information, I do sense that Georgia appears to be at least a real threat, but nobody seems to have a firm handle on this one. The last time Tindall named a leader, it was USC. He’s also said he could commit somewhere and opt to take some official visits after that as well. For the Gamecock staff, it’s about continuing to battle on this one and weathering the storm. There has been plenty said about Tindall’s stepfather being a Georgia guy, but Tindall’s mother is a South Carolina grad and it’s a pretty tight family. We’ll continue to bring everyone more information on this one as we get it.
Another linebacker target that’s long been on South Carolina’s board is North Carolina’s Dax Hollifield. As is the case with many of the high-profile targets during a given recruiting cycle, I anticipate Hollifield will have some space reserved in our “Signing Day Insider” piece once the ink is dry in February. The four-star has made official visits to FSU, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia Tech, and could see Stanford in January. For multiple reasons, I do not expect the pick to be South Carolina here. Hollifield will go through the admissions process at Stanford and that’s the one program that could trump Hollifield’s desire to stay closer to home. One of Virginia Tech or Stanford would probably be the safest bet at this point.
Speaking of Virginia Tech, we’ve been saying and will continue to say that’s a major program to watch in the recruitment of KJ Henry. The five-star is expected to be on South Carolina’s campus for an official visit next month. USC has been quietly in the game in this one for a while, but as things currently stand with a combination of factors, I think it’s less likely that Henry’s ultimately part of USC’s 2018 class. There’s still some time here to see where things fall, but that’s the feel I get right now. I’d seriously watch for the Hokies here.
Wes has said it, I’ve said it, and I’ve gotten further confirmation since then: USC really likes Louisville DE commitment Jarrett Jackson. The wheels are in motion to get him on campus at some point, and I believe USC will have a good shot at pulling off a flip here. This one could be similar to the recruitment of DJ Wonnum, a 5.5 three-star prospect that USC flipped from Indiana and drew little acclaim during the process, yet resulted in a really good football player.
Quick note on a current pledge: USC RB commitment Lavonte Valentine did recently have surgery to repair a torn knee ligament; that will of course shelve him for the remainder of his senior season.
We are still tracking the recruitments of both Dylan Wonnum and Jovaughn Gwyn along the offensive line. As we have said since the spring, USC holds a strong position on Wonnum. Gwyn’s been difficult to peg and everyone’s watching to see if he will ultimately wait until signing day to render a decision. South Carolina is still an option at this time, but it’s hard to tell what he’s going to do right now.
Speaking of Gwyn, USC assistant Bobby Bentley was in Charlotte on Friday checking out Harding’s game, which featured Gwyn as well as priority 2019 running back target Quavaris Crouch. USC remains significantly in the game in that one as well.
Everyone may have to wait until something shakes out with certainty in Knoxville for a resolution, but I still get the sense that South Carolina has a strong shot at a flip with four-star defensive back Jaycee Horn out of Georgia. The communication has persisted with the South Carolina staff and been positive, and an official visit to USC at some point looms.
One common question on The Insiders Forum is whether or not Muschamp and his staff have any surprises in store and/or if USC is pursuing any committed targets aside from the ones I listed above (as well as Dorian Gerald,who is on the board as well). The answer to the second question is yes, and the first remains to be seen. Stay tuned.
We could not rule out an additional time frame change, given that Tindall has done so more than once in the past during this process. South Carolina has been the common denominator all along, whether it’s been Auburn, Florida, or Georgia that’s been the 1-2 running mate with the Gamecocks during the process, which Tindall has said he would like to wrap up by the end of this month.
Tindall is not a prospect that communicates a ton even with the college staffs that are recruiting him, so from that standpoint he’s difficult to read. The thought is currently that it is now Georgia and South Carolina that are the two biggest threats to land him. Georgia has seemingly made up some ground from where it was several weeks ago, while USC has always had a strong chance.
South Carolina’s start to the 2017 season has helped, particularly with how the defense has played and the development within the linebacking corps. Another local product, TJ Brunson, has blossomed under Coleman Hutzler, Travaris Robinson, and Will Muschamp and that’s something that’s been pointed out to Tindall and something he’s noticed. There’s ample opportunity to see the field early in Columbia. He’s also spoken in the past of USC appealing to him because of the ability to step in and help to change the program.
In gathering information, I do sense that Georgia appears to be at least a real threat, but nobody seems to have a firm handle on this one. The last time Tindall named a leader, it was USC. He’s also said he could commit somewhere and opt to take some official visits after that as well. For the Gamecock staff, it’s about continuing to battle on this one and weathering the storm. There has been plenty said about Tindall’s stepfather being a Georgia guy, but Tindall’s mother is a South Carolina grad and it’s a pretty tight family. We’ll continue to bring everyone more information on this one as we get it.
Another linebacker target that’s long been on South Carolina’s board is North Carolina’s Dax Hollifield. As is the case with many of the high-profile targets during a given recruiting cycle, I anticipate Hollifield will have some space reserved in our “Signing Day Insider” piece once the ink is dry in February. The four-star has made official visits to FSU, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia Tech, and could see Stanford in January. For multiple reasons, I do not expect the pick to be South Carolina here. Hollifield will go through the admissions process at Stanford and that’s the one program that could trump Hollifield’s desire to stay closer to home. One of Virginia Tech or Stanford would probably be the safest bet at this point.
Speaking of Virginia Tech, we’ve been saying and will continue to say that’s a major program to watch in the recruitment of KJ Henry. The five-star is expected to be on South Carolina’s campus for an official visit next month. USC has been quietly in the game in this one for a while, but as things currently stand with a combination of factors, I think it’s less likely that Henry’s ultimately part of USC’s 2018 class. There’s still some time here to see where things fall, but that’s the feel I get right now. I’d seriously watch for the Hokies here.
Wes has said it, I’ve said it, and I’ve gotten further confirmation since then: USC really likes Louisville DE commitment Jarrett Jackson. The wheels are in motion to get him on campus at some point, and I believe USC will have a good shot at pulling off a flip here. This one could be similar to the recruitment of DJ Wonnum, a 5.5 three-star prospect that USC flipped from Indiana and drew little acclaim during the process, yet resulted in a really good football player.
Quick note on a current pledge: USC RB commitment Lavonte Valentine did recently have surgery to repair a torn knee ligament; that will of course shelve him for the remainder of his senior season.
We are still tracking the recruitments of both Dylan Wonnum and Jovaughn Gwyn along the offensive line. As we have said since the spring, USC holds a strong position on Wonnum. Gwyn’s been difficult to peg and everyone’s watching to see if he will ultimately wait until signing day to render a decision. South Carolina is still an option at this time, but it’s hard to tell what he’s going to do right now.
Speaking of Gwyn, USC assistant Bobby Bentley was in Charlotte on Friday checking out Harding’s game, which featured Gwyn as well as priority 2019 running back target Quavaris Crouch. USC remains significantly in the game in that one as well.
Everyone may have to wait until something shakes out with certainty in Knoxville for a resolution, but I still get the sense that South Carolina has a strong shot at a flip with four-star defensive back Jaycee Horn out of Georgia. The communication has persisted with the South Carolina staff and been positive, and an official visit to USC at some point looms.
One common question on The Insiders Forum is whether or not Muschamp and his staff have any surprises in store and/or if USC is pursuing any committed targets aside from the ones I listed above (as well as Dorian Gerald,who is on the board as well). The answer to the second question is yes, and the first remains to be seen. Stay tuned.
