Top in-state prospect reaffirms South Carolina pledge before visit
There are few questions about J’Zavien Currence.
His recruiting? That’s been shut down for a while — heck, he was one of the first commits in South Carolina’s 2026 recruiting class, making his pledge last October.
His talent? Ha. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound South Pointe senior is the highest-ranked ‘26 recruit in the Palmetto State. Per 247 Sports’ Composite Rankings, he’s a four-star and Top-100 prospect in America.
His position? OK, well, let’s not rule anything out.
Yes, he’s been recruited as a safety and played exceptionally in the back end of South Pointe’s defense for years now. But he’s no stranger to offense, playing a bit of both quarterback and wide receiver last year for the Stallions.
So it wasn’t a surprise to see Currence playing both ways during the Shane Beamer 7-on-7 Tournament on Friday, where South Pointe finished runner-up. What was at least a bit shocking was how dominant Currence was at wideout — running smooth routes, pulling in contested catches, coming down with deep 50-50 balls.
“It’s always been natural to me,” Currence said. “I’ve always been athletic. (I’m) just making the plays I was born to make.”
It was impossible not to notice Currence at receiver. Even Shane Beamer couldn’t help himself.
During Friday’s tournament, Beamer saw South Carolina defensive coordinator Clayton White chatting with Currence’s mother. He walked over to say hello while gushing about her son. Then he looked at his DC.
“He better be careful,” Beamer said to Currence’s mom, pointing to White. “He’s got the whole offensive staff over there recruiting him.”
Indeed, some were trying to get Currence over to their side.
“(Wide receivers coach Mike) Furrey was talking to me about it,” Currence said. “But I’m a DB, so we’ll see.”
In all likelihood, Currence will arrive at South Carolina as a safety. — which should be fine with the Gamecocks.
He’s expected to come in just two seasons after the departure of Nick Emmanwori, another big-bodied safety from the Palmetto State. And by size alone, the similarities are hard to ignore: Emmanwori finished his USC career at 6-3, 200 lbs while Currence enters his senior season with a 6-3, 205-pound frame.
Then there’s the versatility.
“I do everything,” Currence said. “I play over the (top). I play man-to-man. I come down and hit. I do whatever you need me to do.”
After the 7-on-7 tournament, Currence stayed in Columbia for his official visit. Though he also took an official visit to Florida State in early June, Currence noted he’s still completely locked into the USC commitment he made months ago.
“(I saw) what Coach was building,” he said. “I saw the process. I saw what the players were putting in, the love that this place (brings), the fans. … It let me know where home was.”
And now Currence’s goal is trying to get other guys to realize the same thing — recruits like four-star cornerback Samari Matthews and four-star quarterback Landon Duckworth, both of whom are also visiting South Carolina this weekend.
“Just trying to stay in contact with them every time I see them,” Currence said. “Just trying to tell them where home is — they know where it is. They know what South Carolina can bring to them.”
This story was originally published June 22, 2025 at 8:00 AM.
