South Carolina football offers talented, hometown defensive back prospect
Onis Konanbanny has attracted many big scholarship offers in the recruiting process. On Friday, South Carolina got in the mix by offering the Heathwood Hall junior defensive back.
Gamecocks defensive back coach Torrian Gray extended the offer to Konanbanny on a visit to the school. Saturday is the last day Division I coaches could have in-person visits with prospects until the dead period ends on March 3.
“That offer meant a lot, driving past the stadium (Williams-Brice) to get to school,” Konanbanny said. “They said they liked my film, the way I play corner and my effort.”
Heathwood Hall’s campus is located just five miles from Williams-Brice Stadium, where the Gamecocks play their home games.
Konanbanny’s offer list includes Miami, Tennessee, North Carolina, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Southern Cal, Penn State, Michigan, Oregon, Georgia, Florida, Florida State and Cincinnati, among others.
Konanbanny released a top-10 list in January of LSU, Tennessee, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Penn State, Florida State, Southern Cal, Oregon, Michigan and Ohio State. But he said he might have to revise that list.
“I’m just putting this in God’s hand and let’s see what the future holds,” Konanbanny said.
Konanbanny has taken unofficial visits to Miami, North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida State and South Carolina. He was supposed to go to UNC this weekend for visit and the Tar Heels’ basketball game against Duke but had to postpone the trip.
Konanbanny was in Miami last weekend for the Battle 7-on-7 event. Hurricane coaches were by the school last week.
On3 and 247Sports rank the 6-foot-2, 170-pound Konanbanny as a four-star prospect for the Class of 2025. He is the second-ranked prospect in South Carolina for the class behind Clemson commitment Amare Adams.
Konanbanny was born in France and also lived in England before moving to the United States in 2022.
Konanbanny started his 2023 season at Rabun Gap (Ga.) before transferring to Heathwood Hall, where he played the final six games at receiver and defensive back for the Highlanders. He finished with 20 tackles and six passes defended on defense.
On offense, he had 11 catches for 249 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for a touchdown.
Konanbanny is part of a talented junior and sophomore class in the Midlands that has picked up offers from the Gamecocks. Others include Irmo junior quarterback AJ Brand, Hammond junior tight end Mike Tyler, Ridge View sophomore receiver Jordon Gidron, Irmo sophomore receiver Donovan Murph and Newberry sophomore receiver Jamel Howse.
This story was originally published February 3, 2024 at 10:00 AM.
