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‘- On Monday morning, I noted that I had entered forecasts in favor of South Carolina for a pair of prospects: four-star defensive tackle Jaquaze Sorrells and three-star defensive back Shilo Sanders.
If South Carolina holds serve with the pair, it leaves two spots in the Gamecocks’ 2019 class, begging the question of how those slots will be filled.
We still do not believe it likely that the Gamecocks bring in another running back in this class to pair with Kevin Harris. The preferred breakdown in terms of numbers appears to be one interior defensive lineman, two defensive backs, and one more offensive lineman.
Sorrells and Sanders would fill two of those needs, leaving one defensive back slot. It’s not out of the question that USC could take two more there but again, the aforementioned breakdown seems to be the most desirable for the USC staff.
The two candidates at the defensive back spots are four-star Jammie Robinson and three-star Dequanteous Watts, both out of Georgia. Robinson is coming off an official visit to Tennessee over the weekend and is a candidate to take an unofficial visit once again to South Carolina this weekend. Sources familiar with the recruitment still believe that the Gamecock staff has the best shot here with its longstanding relationships. Watts named USC as his leader following his weekend official and is someone still on the staff’s board as well.
- Along the offensive line, one of our recent Insider Reports mentioned that an offer from Florida State to target Darius Washington could certainly change the equation.
That tender ended up coming on Monday for the Pensacola product, who still remains committed to Mississippi State. Bulldogs head coach Joe Moorhead conducted an in-home visit this week, and Georgia Tech also dispensed an offer on Monday.
Washington, as we reported last time, has shut down speaking with the media. He’s also difficult to read even for those involved in his recruitment. Florida State does appear to have help in this situation and I’d peg the Noles as a major team to watch going forward. South Carolina remains in the race as well, but it’s still hard to get a handle on what will happen here with any certainty.
- Another candidate for an offensive line spot that we have mentioned here before is Georgia’s William Rogers. He’s flown under the radar to a degree – South Carolina and Illinois are the prominent Power 5 programs involved – but he’s a guy that the Gamecock staff had in camp over the summer and liked. The staff remains involved.
- When 2020 offensive tackle Issiah Walker committed to South Carolina last May, he had one other major offer, which was from South Florida.
It’s now January of 2019 and Walker has accumulated tenders from Florida, FSU, Kentucky, LSU, Miami, and Penn State. The Gators have been the biggest threat so far, but South Carolina will definitely have a dogfight on its hands to hold off multiple suitors. Walker was on hand over the weekend and, by all accounts, had an excellent visit for the first Elite Junior Day of the year. Things still look good at this stage for USC to hang on to him, but it will be a battle.
- Speaking of offensive linemen who were in town this weekend, it was an impressive group when factoring in the multiple 2020 prospects who visited plus 2021 lineman Micah Morris.
How’s this for early evaluations by Eric Wolford? USC was the first to offer Tyshawn Wannamaker (commitment), Avery Jernigan, Ray Curry, and Micah Morris.
- The new operations center was, unsurprisingly, a huge hit during the junior day on Saturday. Prospects had a variety of answers for us when asked their favorite aspect: some picked the training facility, some picked the weight room, others chose the recording studio or the locker room.
- Another aspect of the trip that was a big hit was a “player panel” in which the prospects were gathered in a room together as a group. South Carolina’s coaching staff left and had some current Gamecock players come in and break down what it’s like to a South Carolina football player. Included in that panel: Israel Mukuamu and Dakereon Joyner.
- One area in the operations center that maybe has not gotten a lot of attention but will be a centerpiece in the future is a “life skills area” which houses Marcus Lattimore’s office. Will Muschamp’s Beyond Football program has been a hit for current players and in recruiting, and this is a spot that will help further showcase what Lattimore does with the program.
More from GamecockCentral -
- Update on Lance Thompson, expiring contracts for coaches
- Shilo Sanders sets announcement
- John Scott Jr. officially added to staff
- In-state guard eyeing South Carolina visit
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