Top-rated in-state receiver joins Gamecocks’ 2017 class
The new South Carolina football coaching staff is looking for playmakers, and former Union County coach and Gamecocks quarterback Steve Taneyhill believes USC is getting a major adrenaline boost with the commitment Saturday of wide receiver Shi Smith.
“He is fast, that breakaway speed that very few have,” Taneyhill said. “But he is a tough football player, which I think is his best attribute. He loves the challenge of playing against the best and competing. He’s never afraid to test his skills against anyone. He’s also a very smart football player. USC has very few wide receivers. He should play early, which I’m sure he is aware of.”
Smith (6-0, 175) caught 50 passes for 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns last season for of Union County High. As a sophomore he caught 35 passes for 535 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s also a threat on kickoff and punt returns.
Smith said this week the Gamecocks see him playing a role similar to former star and NFL draft pick Pharoh Cooper.
“Play inside and outside, sweeps and stuff like that,” Smith said.
The highly recruited Smith also had offers during the recruiting process from Clemson, Alabama, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina and NC State. He is USC’s 13th commitment for the 2017 class and the ninth from South Carolina.
USC 2017 CLASS COMMITMENTS
▪ Jay Urich, QB, Piedmont
▪ Kyshaun Bryan, RB, Fort Lauderdale, Fla
▪ Shawn Smith, WR, Brunswick, Ga.
▪ Shi Smith, WR, Union
▪ Will Register, TE, Chapin
▪ Summie Carlay, OL, Laurens
▪ Dennis Daley, OL, Georgia Military/Columbia
▪ Eric Douglas, OL, Charlotte, NC
▪ Davonne Bowen, LB, Piedmont
▪ Damani Staley, LB, Columbia
▪ Javon Kinlaw, DE, Jones County JC (Miss.)/Goose Creek
▪ Tyreek Johnson, DE, Lakewood/Sumter
▪ Devonte Wyatt, DE, Towers/Decatur, Ga.
This story was originally published June 11, 2016 at 4:39 PM with the headline "Top-rated in-state receiver joins Gamecocks’ 2017 class."