Steve Spurrier has revived South Carolina’s football program, and has elevated the Gamecocks’ level of recruiting in his time with the school. This year, however, South Carolina has struggled on the recruiting trail.
South Carolina football recruiting: Spurrier’s class near bottom of SEC
After major success a few years ago, the Gamecocks are struggling to recruit near the top level of the conference.
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The Gamecocks find their class ranked 28th in the 247sports composite team rankings. That’s good for 11th in the SEC, ahead of only Missouri, Mississippi State and Arkansas. There is one major advantage for South Carolina — they only have 14 commitments in their 2014 class, which is the least of any SEC school, so they still have room to add some quality players.
South Carolina has received one recent commitment — quarterback Michael Scarnecchia, a three-star prospect from Florida.
Shaq Davidson is the star of the Gamecocks’ class. The wide receiver from Gaffney (S.C.) High School is considered a four-star prospect by the 247sports composite. He is rated as the 11th-best wide receiver in the country and the third-best player in the state.
Donnell Stanley is another big get for South Carolina. The offensive lineman from Latta (S.C.) High School is rated as a four-star prospect by the 247sports composite. He is considered the 10th-best offensive guard in the country and the fourth-best player in the state.
Bryson Allen-Williams is an important part of the class. The linebacker from Cedar Grove (Ga.) High School is considered a four-star prospect by the 247sports composite. He is rated as the 14th-best outside linebacker in the country and the 14th-best player in the state.
Top targets -- Bud Elliott, National Recruiting Analyst
South Carolina is still heavily involved with two four-star targets.
The first is Derrell Scott, a running back from Havelock (N.C.). He is considered a lock to the Gamecocks at this point, and would make an instant impact on third downs and in the return game.
The other is defensive lineman Dexter Wideman. Wideman, of Saluda (S.C.), is currently committed to Florida State, but many believe he will flip to the Gamecocks. Wideman has visited Columbia several times since making his commitment to FSU.
