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- In terms of South Carolina’s defensive back recruiting, Wes Mitchell and I have frequently made the point during Will Muschamp’s tenure that the potential class will often not take shape until the summer.
USC’s staff wants to see as many prospects as possible in camp in Columbia, and that’s especially important at a position like defensive back where it’s often tougher to get a sense of a prospect’s true ability on film. USC can find guys its likes on film and during evaluation stops on the road, but the true test is often putting one through a workout with the staff to assess skills and coachability. Expect that to be the case once again this summer, as we believe numerous defensive back candidates will be in town this summer. The board will become at least a bit clearer at that point.
The emphasis in this class will likely be more tilted towards the cornerback position, as USC’s staff will return multiple players at the safety spot (save for J.T. Ibe) after 2019. It’s also more of a down year at defensive back in the Gamecocks’ recruiting footpring.
- One big-time player we are continuing to monitor is five-star Fred Davis out of Florida. He was on campus last season for a game visit, and he’s spoken fondly in the past of Travaris Robinson and Will Muschamp. Davis is still probably a bit more in the longshot category for the Gamecocks, but there is still consistent communication with the staff. Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Ohio State, and others seem to be out in front of the Gamecocks and others here, but if USC can get him back on campus this spring or summer perhaps the staff has a chance to make another move.
- Tennessee’s Devonte Nelson is another player that the staff likes and hopes to see back on campus once again in the coming months. The 5-foot-10, 180-pounder also carries offers from Arkansas, Louisville, Ole Miss, and Tennessee, among others.
- GamecockCentral.com recently profiled Florida’s Dominick Hill not long after his spring unofficial visit to Columbia. In that story, the 6-foot-1, 170-pounder really seemed to talk up Alabama, Georgia, Miami, and South Carolina.
Our understanding is that Hill’s trip to South Carolina went extremely well, and the feedback regarding South Carolina’s chances was very positive afterwards. Hill has said he could announce his choice as early as August 1, but at the last will sign during the early period in December. There’s some reason to feel optimistic right now on USC’s chances, but there are also several legitimate challengers. It’s safe to say Hill is one we’re monitoring closely.
- One other prospect we’re keeping an eye on is from the junior college ranks in Art Green out of Hutchinson (Kansas). That’s the same program that has big offensive lineman Jazston Turnetine, another Gamecock target in the 2020 class. Green has excellent size at 6-foot-2, 200-pounds, and USC hopes to lure him to campus to work him out this summer as well.
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