South Carolina recruiting: Where things stand heading into official visit season
Whenever Will Muschamp lands a commitment, the South Carolina coach drops a #SpursUp on Twitter. Come to SEC Country for the latest news, notes and observations in South Carolina recruiting. For previous editions of SpursUp Surveillance, check out the link.
Thursday is the final day of the NCAA’s current dead period, which prohibits schools from hosting potential student-athletes. Friday will kick-start the first of four potential official visit weekends.
Several South Carolina targets will be on the road this weekend, visiting other schools.
Back in Athens
Four-star defensive tackle Rick Sandidge (Concord, N.C.) last visited Georgia for the South Carolina game. He’s set up plans to see North Carolina the following weekend before heading to South Carolina on the final weekend of the month.
The No. 10 defensive tackle in the Class of 2018, according to the 247Sports composite rankings, Sandidge (6-foot-5, 288 pounds) won’t announce a commitment until National Signing Day, on the first Wednesday in February.
South Carolina is still heavily favored on the 247Sports Crystal Ball.
SpursUpSurveillance pick: South Carolina
Down on The Plains
When 4-star offensive tackle Dylan Wonnum (Tucker, Ga.) told reporters about his first official visit, he had yet to nail down plans for the others. Auburn, of course, is up first this weekend.
Wonnum is also planning to see South Carolina, LSU and Tennessee.
The No. 10 offensive tackle in the Class of 2018, Wonnum (6-5, 279) isn’t expected to reach a decision until signing day.
The Gamecocks are favored 0n the 247Sports Crystal Ball.
SpursUpSurveillance pick: South Carolina
Virginia commitment in Clemson
Virginia cornerback commitment D.J. Brown (Washington, D.C.) is reportedly set to take an official visit this weekend to Clemson. The 3-star apparently told 247Sports after the Under Armour All-America Game that he would see the Tigers this weekend.
South Carolina, which offered last week, could have him in for an official before the end of the month.
Brown (6-1, 185) is the No. 98 cornerback in the Class of 2018.
South Carolina recruiting guest
Three-star commitment LaMarius Benson (Covington, Ga.) has planned an official visit to South Carolina, starting on Jan. 20. He’ll fly in from Texas after playing in the International Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Benson (6-3, 330) is ranked as the No. 89 defensive tackle in the Class of 2018, but he’s been recruited by the Gamecocks as an offensive lineman.
Three-star wide receiver commitment Ronnie Jamison (Highland C.C.) isn’t sure when he’ll take an official visit to South Carolina. The No. 6 JUCO wide receiver is originally from Irmo (S.C.) High School.
Three-star athlete Bryce Thompson, who attends Irmo-Dutch Fork, took his official visit to South Carolina in December, before committing to the Gamecocks.
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