South Carolina did not have the kind of season it wanted in 2019, but that did not hurt their efforts or results on the recruiting trail. The first day of the December early signing period saw the Gamecocks sign 17 new recruits. Ten of these players will be early enrollees that will arrive in January. Coach Will Muschamp has always been known as a relentless recruiter, and he and his staff saw their hard work get rewarded with some high profile players committing to the South Carolina.
Gamecocks Sign 17 Players For 2020 Class
This team scuffled to a dismal 4-8 record this season. As of today, that is all in the past. Now, with 17 new recruits pledging to wear the garnet and black, all eyes are on the future. The coaching staff did a good job of bringing in young talent to help fill the holes this team has on its roster. As is usually the case, the 2020 class is mostly made up of prospects from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and right here at home. The top four recruits from the state of South Carolina have all committed to play their college football in Columbia.
Offensive Reinforcements
By the end of the 2019 slate, the offense was both struggling from both a rash of injuries and a lack of production. The hope is that some of the young men that inked their letter of intent today can become play makers sooner rather than later.
This class is highlighted by quarterback Luke Doty and tailback MarShawn Lloyd. Both players rank among the top 65 recruits in the nation. Lloyd is a big time player, and could see carries early in a running back group that loses three seniors. New offensive coordinator Mike Bobo will have a very young and talented back field to work with his first season in Columbia. None of the quarterbacks or tailbacks will be upperclassmen.
The most glaring hole on the South Carolina roster by season’s end was at wide receiver. Injuries left the group depleted, and crying out for a young play maker to emerge. With the school record breaking Bryan Edwards graduating, that hole will be even bigger in 2020. Today saw the Gamecocks sign two wide receivers in Mike Wyman and Rico Powers. Wyman is a big 6’4” wide out with good hands and impressive catch radius. Powers is an explosive play maker with the ball in his hands, something this team sorely needs. South Carolina also signed four star athlete Jahiem Bell. During his press conference today, Coach Muschamp spoke about how his size and versatility could see him used in multiple roles in this offense.
Front And Back
The Gamecocks only have one linebacker committed for this class, and he is four star Mohamed Kaba from North Carolina. He will arrive in January, and add to the young depth already at the position. The defensive line and secondary make up the rest of the class on this side of the ball. The front and back ends of the South Carolina defense added some talented new faces today. They added three players to the defensive backfield. According to Coach Muschamp, each of them can play multiple positions and help at either corner or safety.
The biggest boost for this roster came in the trenches. South Carolina’s defensive line was a bright spot during the season, and they added to that unit on signing day. Conway’s Tonka Hemmingway headlines those who sent in a letter of intent. At 6’2″ 260 he can play inside on the line or on the edge. The big names are a pair of committed Hammond School teammates in Jordan Burch and Alex Huntley. Burch is one of the top rated players in the entire country, and could develop into a star at defensive end. Huntley will add skill and athleticism to the tackle position.
Bouncing Back
Recruiting is always important, but who the Gamecocks sign in this 2020 class is even more pivotal coming off a disappointing season. The ability to hold on to so many talented players after a down year is an impressive step by this staff. Now they need to mold and develop this roster so its talent is reflected by results on Saturdays. The pledges have been made and the names have been signed. This is when the real work begins.
