The latest with South Carolina’s pursuit of Michigan commit Julian Walker
South Carolina football isn’t going to let Julian Walker get out of the state without a fight.
The Gamecocks still are pursuing the highly touted Dutch Fork defensive end and Michigan commit. South Carolina defensive ends coach Sterling Lucas continues to stay in touch with Walker, whose father is an assistant strength coach on the Gamecocks’ staff.
Walker has made three visits to South Carolina games this season, including Saturday’s game against Oklahoma.
“I talked to Sterling Lucas and we still have a good relationship. Keeping that communication going,” Walker said after last week’s win over White Knoll. “They definitely are still pushing. They want to keep me home.”
Walker is having a big senior season for the Silver Foxes, who are ranked No. 3 in the latest Class 5A rankings. The four-star prospect is second on the team with 34 tackles (eight for loss) and second with sacks heading into this week’s game against Lexington.
Walker also was selected to play in the Navy All-American Bowl in San Antonio in January and received his commemorative jersey this week.
The Gamecocks aren’t the only ones interested in Walker. North Carolina continues to recruit him. He visited there two weeks ago for the Clemson game.
“It was good,” Walker said of the UNC visit. “Talked to coach (Bill) Belichick and his vision for me was for the team.”
Walker was supposed to have gone to Michigan a few weeks ago but pushed it back until the Ohio State game at the end of the season. He says he remains committed to the Wolverines.
“Yes, sir. Go Blue,” Walker said. “I’m excited to get down there with me and the family and really anticipating that game (against Ohio State).”
Gamecocks, Clemson pursuing Jaden Wuerth
Walker isn’t the only Dutch Fork player getting interest from the Gamecocks. Junior Jaden Wuerth, who plays opposite side on the defensive end, also is getting interest from South Carolina as well as Clemson, North Carolina State and Georgia Tech.
Wuerth visited Clemson, NC State and Georgia Tech this fall and will visit USC on Saturday for the Oklahoma game. Clemson has yet to offer, but he hopes that one might come soon.
“Recruiting has been going good. It has been busy with all the games and stuff,” Wuerth said. “Clemson is messaging me a lot and talking to me every day. They haven’t offered yet, but after the season it will be there. South Carolina, they love me and keep recruiting me and I am excited to get there for the game.”
Wuerth says he doesn’t have a favorite school yet or timeline for a decision.
“I love the in-state schools and relationships I have been building with coaches,” Wuerth said. “Georgia Tech and NC State as well. So, I am just starting to narrow things down and continue to build relationships with the coaching staffs.”
Wuerth, who moved to SC from Georgia over the summer, also is off to a strong start this season. He is third on the team with 30 tackles but leads the Silver Foxes with nine tackles for loss and eight sacks.
This story was originally published October 17, 2025 at 2:55 PM.
