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With spots limited in the 2019 class and several needs still on the board, USC's staff looks to close the 2019 cycle by inking four more prospects in this cycle to add up to a full allotment of 25.
One question some may have is as follows: with 20 on board at this point already and current roster members Jamel Cook and Josh Belk counting towards this class (adding up to 22), how can USC have four slots left?
Junior college defensive tackle commitment Jahkeem Green did not sign with the Gamecocks during the December period, as we documented due to the uncertainty of his academic situation. Similar to how the Gamecocks enrolled Belk and Cook in August of 2018 and were able to count them forward to the 2019 class, there's a scenario in which the staff could do that with Green. That would open up that fourth slot that USC needs in this class to fill needs.
Regardless, we have documented that Green has had academic work left to complete, and our information indicates that the situation is still a significant question mark.
As for those four slots, there is still some flexibility with how the staff could opt to use them. There are prospects on the defensive line, defensive back, offensive line, and running back left in the '19 crop.
There have been some questions as to whether or not the Gamecocks could lure another running back in the 2019 class to pair with the recently enrolled Kevin Harris. Based on our information, the most likely (but not completely certain) scenario is that there is not another back in this class.
That would allow USC to take the following combination with the remaining four slots - one defensive lineman, two defensive backs, and perhaps one offensive lineman (otherwise, another DB).
USC would then carry forward its recruiting efforts at running back to the 2020 class, where three main candidates have emerged thus far. Those would be Cartavious Bigsby, Don Chaney Jr., and Ladarius Tennison.
Interestingly, Tennison had been mainly considering Miami and South Carolina as of late. Bigsby is dropping a final seven soon, and we have been told the Gamecocks are a certain inclusion. New USC running backs coach Thomas Brown had offered both at Miami, although Bigsby has not been considering Miami heavily. Bobby Bentley did a good job laying the groundwork with those two, and USC's in firm contention for both with Brown set to take over their recruitments.
As for Chaney, his father played at South Carolina and Chaney and his family have a great relationship with Brown.
Back to 2019...
USC would like to add Jaquaze Sorrells for the interior defensive line slot, and the Gamecock staff has done good work in adding him. Will Muschamp is due to meet with Sorrells for his in-home visit in advance of Sorrells' January 18 official visit to Columbia.
Many subscribers have asked us if Lance Thompson's absence from the staff would have a significant effect on USC's pursuit of Sorrells. We are inclined to believe not based on our information; Sorrells' recruitment has been largely led by Muschamp and defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson. Will Muschamp is taking his time with the defensive line coach hire, but it's certainly possible one is in place by the time Sorrells hits campus next weekend.
It's not out of the question, as mentioned earlier, that USC takes another offensive lineman in this class. Florida's Darius Washington, a Mississippi State commitment, is one the staff continues to monitor.
At defensive back, the Gamecocks continue to push for Georgia four-star Jammie Robinson. Auburn, Kentucky, and South Carolina are the main three programs to watch for Robinson.
Tennessee's connection here, Robinson's former high school coach Shelton Felton, recently took a job at Akron. It's not out of the question that Robinson takes another trip to Tennessee before signing day in February, but the Vols are behind the other three mentioned here. Robinson made an official visit to Auburn over the weekend, and there's also the potential of another unofficial visit to Columbia before he decides. South Carolina remains in the best position here.
USC is also believed to still hold the edge for Texas four-star Shilo Sanders, and Georgia's Dequanteous Watts is still on the board as well. He's slated to make back to back official visits to USC and Oregon next weekend and the weekend following.
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