Recruiting hot streak: South Carolina adds third in-state commitment in two days
It’s been quite a couple days for South Carolina football program in landing in-state talent.
Newberry High School junior tight end Jamel Howse committed to Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks on Saturday, a little more than two hours before USC’s game against Ole Miss.
“I talked to my parents and I really wanted to get it over with,” Howse said. “I feel like Carolina is home. That’s not really going to change. I’ve been thinking for a long time.”
Why South Carolina?
“The coaches,” Howse said. “It’s close to home. The fan base is amazing. That’s was attracted me a lot.”
Howse’s announcement comes a day after Ridge View junior receiver Jordon Gidron committed to the Gamecocks. Gidron will reclassify to the Class of 2025, while Howse is not reclassifying.
Class of 2025 receiver Rock Hill’s Malik Clark committed to USC an hour before Howse announced on Saturday.
Howse becomes the fourth USC commitment for the Class of 2026, joining South Pointe’s Anthony Baxter and out-of-state players Rodney Colton and Keenan Britt.
The Gamecocks offered the 6-foot-4 Howse back in December, and he’s made several trips to USC and was expected to be at Saturday’s game against Ole Miss. He also had offers from Louisville, Cincinnati West Virginia and South Florida.
247Sports Composite ranks Howse as a four-star prospect and the No. 2 player in the state for Class of 2026. He is ranked as the ninth-best tight end in the country at the position.
As a sophomore, Howse caught 36 passes for 789 yards and nine touchdowns.
He said USC tight ends coach Shawn Elliott explained how he would be used.
“I like how Coach Elliott told me I can really do anything,” Howse said. “He can split me out wide, bring me down, motion me. I’m cool with all that. I can do it all.”
South Carolina 2026 Football Commitments
Rodney Colton (LB) — Committed on April 24
Anthony Baxter (OL) — Committed on May 5
Keenan Britt (DE) — Committed on Aug. 5
Jamel Howse (TE) — Committed on Oct. 5
— Phil Kornblut contributed to this story
This story was originally published October 5, 2024 at 1:01 PM.
