Gamecocks still recruiting unsigned 2016 defenders

Defensive end Mykelle McDaniel of Loganville, Ga., remains unsigned for the 2016 class, but South Carolina has remained in touch with him.

He is planning to visit Saturday as the Gamecocks stage their first “junior day” for the 2017 recruiting season.

McDaniel (6-4, 255) has favored the Gamecocks for months, but he wasn’t able to take an official visit because he did not have a posted ACT or SAT score. He was originally recruited to USC by the Steve Spurrier staff and has indicated in the past a strong interest to commit to the Gamecocks.

Another unsigned 2016 prospect that has drawn USC’s attention is defensive end Dedrion Bacote of Virginia Beach, Va.

According to Ryan Bartow of 247Sports, Bacote got word Thursday that his SAT score was high enough for him to qualify. East Carolina offered Friday, while USC, Mississippi State and Syracuse have been in touch with his coach, according to Bartow.

Last season Bacote (6-3, 225) had 86 tackles with 21 tackles for loss and 16 sacks.

This story was originally published February 12, 2016 at 8:18 PM with the headline "Gamecocks still recruiting unsigned 2016 defenders."