The South Carolina Gamecocks are coming off of an average year for them, and this class of talented ball players could help them excel in years to come.
The Gamecocks are battling in a tough conference in the SEC and could use a bump year and need to get some ball players to win them some games, with only going 5-3 in conference whilst posting a 9-4 record in all. This team still has much to fight for; they won’t go down without a fight. This class has some real playmakers that could help elevate them to be in the top 10 within the rankings. A 6 ‘3 205 safety coming out of South Pointe High School in Rock Hill, South Carolina, J’Zavien Currence. He still has one more year of highschool ball but has already committed to South Carolina.
247 Sports Director of Recruiting Andrew Ivins has a feeling that this safety is the future of this team.
“Imposing back-seven defender with playmaking tendencies that should offer plenty of alignment versatility. Measured roughly 6-foot-3, 210 pounds the summer before junior year. Future could certainly be in the box as he’s likely to only get bigger once enrolled at the college of his choice, but has flashed ample range from a two-deep posting and has a knack for jumping routes,” said Ivins.
This squad from South Carolina has a lot to prove this year after coming off a down year. This program is prestigious and has a rich history and they always expect big from the Gamecocks every year. But this year was different and they need to turn it around this year, badly. This year they got a real ‘dog’ for their defense and could help them turn around: a 6’4”, 250 pound linebacker from Havelock, South Carolina, Donovan Darden. He’s a 4-star recruit and is the fourth ranked in the state of South Carolina. He has a nose for the ball on defense and could help the team rally in years to come.
Ivins believes that Darden has valuable tools for the squad.
“Two-point edge rusher with favorable track and field profile who’s making the transition from QB to DE. Size and length have not been third-party verified, but looks to be long enough. Shows speed-building juice when attacking the corner and displays flexibility in the lower half required to redirect and retrace. Still developing requisite play strength and conviction at the point of attack, which should come with continued reps and weight-room development,” said the Director.
Their offense averaged 28.3 points a game, which isn’t bad, but could definitely improve for them. With this tough schedule they go against, it doesn’t help much. The SEC is a powerhouse of a conference and has many heavy hitters with teams like Alabama Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs, Texas Longhorns, and the Tennesee Volunteers. These teams are all championship worthy, and the Gamecocks need to get ready to play teams like these. This wide receiver from Rock Hill, South Carolina with a 6’2” frame and weighing 190 pounds, Malik Clark. He is a 4-star and he’s always ready to play some ball, no matter who he plays.
Ivins knows that Clark is an impactful player.
“Perimeter playmaker with the speed to find the end zone. Not the most complete product at this stage, but has the clay to emerge as a true difference-maker on Saturdays with his long limbs and top gear. Measured just over 6-foot-2, 180 pounds in advance of senior season and posted some of the top testing numbers on the entire Under Armour Next camp circuit: 4.39 in the 40-yard dash to go along with a 4.31 effort in the short shuttle and a 122.5-inch broad jump. At his best when he’s attacking the deeper parts of the field as he streaks down the sideline and keeps defenders on their heels,” said Ivins.
Be ready for this South Carolina Gamecocks squad as they become ready to make the big jump from last year to get their name to the top of the seeding for the postseason to add some more hardware to the trophy case.
