Gamecocks Focus on In-State Recruiting Success During Signing Day…
South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer has emphasized the importance of recruiting local talent since his arrival in December 2020, and his efforts are evident once again. On the first day of the early signing period, the Gamecocks secured commitments from 10 in-state players, with the potential to add two more.
Hammond tight end Mike Tyler, currently committed to LSU, might flip to South Carolina during his 1 p.m. signing ceremony. Additionally, Irmo receiver Donovan Murph, who is reclassifying to the 2025 class, will announce his college choice on January 2 at the Under Armour All-American Game. The decision will come down to South Carolina or Clemson.
“We’re always going to start here in South Carolina,” Beamer emphasized in his 2020 press conference. “There’s no reason a player wouldn’t want to achieve their goals here at the University of South Carolina.”
This marks just the third time since 2011 that the Gamecocks have signed 10 or more in-state recruits. Previous instances were in 2011 and 2017, which included standout players like Jadeveon Clowney. Of the current 10 commitments, six rank among the state’s top 12 prospects, according to 247Sports.
By comparison, Clemson has landed only two in-state commitments—Amare Adams and Marquise Henderson, ranked No. 1 and No. 4 in the state. Tom Loy, a national recruiting analyst at 247Sports, commended South Carolina’s strong focus on local talent.
“This is what it’s about,” Loy said. “They’ve done an outstanding job keeping top players in-state, similar to Auburn’s efforts in Alabama this year.” Auburn has signed nine of Alabama’s top 12 prospects, while Alabama has none.
The Gamecocks’ success extends beyond 2025, with three in-state commitments already secured for the 2026 class, including J’Zavien Currence, the state’s top-ranked player. South Pointe’s Malik Clark, the highest-ranked in-state player in South Carolina’s 2025 class, praised Beamer’s vision.
“Coach Beamer wants the best players to stay home and win together,” Clark said.
The Gamecocks’ 2025 in-state commitments include Malik Clark (WR), Jordon Gidron (WR), Jayden Sellers (WR), Cutter Woods (QB), Shedrick Sarratt (OL), Anthony Addison (Edge), Jaquavious Dodd (Edge), Jaquel Holman (ATH), Damarcus Leach (DB), and Josh Smith (DE/LB).
