RECRUITING CYCLE 2017
In every recruiting cycle, the topic of in-state recruiting is hot between South Carolina and Clemson. In the Class of 2017, there are four MUST HAVE recruits for these schools inside the Palmetto state borders for them to win this battle. Here is a look at the 2017 MUST HAVE prospects.
In-state recruiting has been a HOT topic in the Midlands since the resignation/retirement of Steve Spurrier from South Carolina and with the hiring of Will Muschamp, all eyes are on the Gamecocks' program to see what changes are made in recruiting. The truth of the matter is, Clemson has been handing it to the Gamecocks for the past several years in in-state recruiting and the arrogant "you need us more than we need you" attitude has to change if the Gamcocks are going to be in the hunt. From my conversations with staff, I believe that will change and the competition for the in-state guys will be on between the two big in-state programs.
Here are the In-state MUST HAVE'S in my opinion for the programs. These are the kids that should be on the "top priority" list and high on the boards of both schools.
1. LOGAN RUDOLPH, DEFENSIVE END, NORTHWESTERN HIGH SCHOOL (6-4, 240): While Rudolph is currently a three-star (WAY undner rated in my opinion), he is a legit high four-star caliber player. First of all, he's got great genetics, with a dad who was a linebacker for the North Carolina Tarheels and a brother who is a two year starting sophomore quarterback for Oklhahoma State. Rudolph is aggressive, quick off of the edge, and strong against the run. He's listed as a strong-side defensive end but he is athletic enough to play weakside and drop in space for coverage if needed. He is by far from perfect but there lies his upside. In my opinion, he should be the top in-state target of any school recruiting the Palmetto State.
2. DAVONDRE "TANK" ROBINSON, SAFETY, LAKE MARION HIGH SCHOOL (6-2, 205); Already a four-star by Rivals.com, Robinson is a lethal defender in the middle of the defense. He hits like his nickname, "Tank", and can read the offense very well; has great instincts. He's got the ability to be a strong safety with strong run support and physical tackling abilities but also has the athleticism to play the coverage of a free safety against multiple reciever sets.
3. WILL REGISTER, TIGHT END, CHAPIN HIGH SCHOOL (6-4, 240): Register is committed to South Carolina and I think a solid commitment. But he is being courted hard by other suitors, most aggressivly by Tennessee. Register is a guy that could easily convert to an interior lineman because of his frame and abilities, but has the athleticism and skills set to be a valuable weapon in the passing game as a tight end.
4. ORTREY SMITH, WIDE RECEIVER, WANDO HIGH SCHOOL (6-4, 190); A four-star already by Rivals.com, Smith enters 2016 as the No. 9 wide receiver prospect in the country; he gives a big target for any quarterback and is physical enough to go across the dangerous middle and haul in passes; enough speed and vertical skills to stretch the field and win jump ball battles; he uses his body well against defensive backs. This is a player who has the potential to be a big name in college football in a a few years. While he fits the mold of the Clemson wide receivers of the past several seasons, he is a definite must have for the Gamecocks to help them at their weak position.