{"id":51999,"date":"2023-09-27T10:21:16","date_gmt":"2023-09-27T14:21:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/?p=51999"},"modified":"2025-09-13T15:37:58","modified_gmt":"2025-09-13T19:37:58","slug":"talking-with-gamecocks-2026-recruit-brody-keefe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/2023\/09\/27\/talking-with-gamecocks-2026-recruit-brody-keefe\/","title":{"rendered":"Talking with Gamecock&#8217;s 2026 Recruit Brody Keefe"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Recruiting never ends. 2026 may seem far in the future, but that group of high school sophomores will be walking onto college campuses as freshmen sooner than later. As the Gamecocks look to stay on top of bringing in top level talent, coaches need to evaluate and pursue players early on. In the immediate future, there are a few players in the 2024 class to watch as potential flips to the Gamecocks.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"s1\">Last Word had an exclusive conversation with Gamecock&#8217;s 2026 recruit <strong>Brody Keefe<\/strong>, who was at the South Carolina game on Saturday.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Brody Keefe at South Carolina<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">On Saturday night, the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/2023\/09\/24\/gamecocks-win-with-balance\/\" target=\"_self\">Gamecocks got a needed win<\/a> against Mississippi State. Keefe was visiting for the game and he caught up with us regarding his experience. The national response to the environment on Saturday night was widely positive. SEC Network\u2019s <strong>Peter Burns<\/strong> referred to Williams-Brice on <i>SEC This Morning<\/i>, saying it is not only a great home-field advantage in football, but in \u201call of sports.\u201d Keefe had a similar feel. He told us the atmosphere was \u201cexciting,\u201d but he took a special note of the fans who stayed late into the game. \u201cIt was cool to see so many people still going crazy into the fourth quarter\u2026\u201d Keefe said. The environment fans provide on game day is often more impactful than the play on the field when it comes to a recruit\u2019s experience.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Thank you to <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/GamecockFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@GamecockFB<\/a> for a great experience at <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WilliamsBriceSC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@WilliamsBriceSC<\/a> under the lights! Always a good time with @Rileyw_19 <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CoachSBeamer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@CoachSBeamer<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Dowell_Loggains?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@Dowell_Loggains<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/coachjstepp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@coachjstepp<\/a> @P_ELLSY and their families! \ud83d\udc14 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/875RiGz6c4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/875RiGz6c4<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Brody Keefe (@BrodyHKeefe) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BrodyHKeefe\/status\/1706496222939279713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 26, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">South Carolina also had a special presentation at halftime as they retired the jersey of legendary wide receiver, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sports-reference.com\/cfb\/players\/alshon-jeffery-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alshon Jeffery<\/a>. A moving video presentation and display of Jeffery\u2019s name and number on the press box with other Gamecock greats was just part of honoring the former NFL and Super Bowl LII star. Keefe was impressed with this element as well. He told us, \u201cAlshon being there was great. It\u2019s always cool to see guys who you watched\u2026playing in the league\u2026\u201d Make no mistake, Keefe has his eyes set on the NFL as well. Having former Gamecocks see success at the highest level is impactful on recruiting. In reference to his NFL aspirations and choosing a school, Keefe said, \u201c\u2026most important is prep for the next level and then being at a place that consistently puts guys out there.\u201d<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Where the Gamecocks Stand<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The 2026 standout receiver said he also enjoyed spending time with head coach <strong>Shane Beamer<\/strong> and others on the offensive staff. He told us he got to speak with them before kickoff and on the field after the game. When it comes to making a college decision, Keefe said he knows he has plenty of time. But he is taking a careful look at his options. He\u2019s deciding exactly what he wants to study and acknowledged that a school that offers his field of study is important. On the field, he mentioned twice that he wants to learn. He said, \u201c[I\u2019m] looking for a place that I can come in and learn and then get minutes when the time comes.\u201d He mentioned that as he looks to make a decision he wants to \u201cbe patient and learn,\u201d but also said at this point, \u201cCarolina is definitely up there for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">By the Numbers<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The North Carolina native played his freshman season at Marvin Ridge High School where he caught 18 passes for 327 yards and a touchdown in eight games. For his sophomore season, Keefe transferred to Myers Park High School (Charlotte, NC). In just his first three games of 2023, Keefe already had 19 catches for 222 yards and three touchdowns. His film displays that he is already polished for a sophomore. He runs clean routes and has adequate speed. However, at 6\u20193\u201d and 185 pounds, his frame is his best friend. Keefe\u2019s biggest strengths as a receiver are his strong hands and ability to high-point the football. He goes and plucks it out of the air and handles contact well.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Keefe has offers from Georgia, Ohio State, Arkansas, Tennessee, and many others in addition to the Gamecocks. He will see the Gamecocks play again this weekend as he will be in Knoxville to visit with the Vols.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">2024 Movement to Watch<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">In the immediate future, 2024 early signing day is coming. Beamer mentioned that the Gamecocks will be selective with any additions they add to the class at this point. Top tier prospects and portal additions are the focus now. Of the high school targets a few are already committed elsewhere, but the Gamecocks aren\u2019t finished. There has been longstanding chatter about four-star edge, <strong>Kameryn Fountain<\/strong>, out of Atlanta. He is committed to Southern Cal, but the Gamecocks remain in communication.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Ain\u2019t over yet\ud83d\udcaf<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Jalewis Solomon 4\u2b50\ufe0f (@SolomonJalewis) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SolomonJalewis\/status\/1706786336479354999?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 26, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\"><p>&nbsp;<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The most likely name to watch is defensive back <strong>Jalewis Solomon<\/strong> out of Schley County, GA. He is committed to Auburn, but it was a hard-fought recruiting battle and the Gamecocks finished a close second. It has been believed since his commitment that Carolina would continue in their pursuit. Solomon put the recruiting world on notice Wednesday on X with a post that read, \u201cIt ain\u2019t over yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_52003\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-52003\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-52003\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/09\/USATSI_21492606_168400536_lowres-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Gamecock's 2026 Recruit Brody Keefe\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/09\/USATSI_21492606_168400536_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/09\/USATSI_21492606_168400536_lowres-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/09\/USATSI_21492606_168400536_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/09\/USATSI_21492606_168400536_lowres-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/09\/USATSI_21492606_168400536_lowres-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/09\/USATSI_21492606_168400536_lowres.jpg 1350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-52003\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo courtesy: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Recruiting never ends. 2026 may seem far in the future, but that group of high school sophomores will be walking onto college campuses as freshmen sooner than later. As the Gamecocks look to stay on top of bringing in top level talent, coaches need to evaluate and pursue players early on. In the immediate future, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4892,"featured_media":52003,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"1","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3,7316,35577],"tags":[20,149,80],"class_list":["post-51999","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sec","category-recruiting","category-south-carolina-gamecocks","tag-sec","tag-shane-beamer","tag-south-carolina-gamecocks"],"modified_by":"Michael Kovacs, ADMIN","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51999","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4892"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51999"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51999\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":79224,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51999\/revisions\/79224"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52003"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51999"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51999"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51999"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}