USC Gamecocks’ top QB, RB recruits react to Mike Shula news
South Carolina quarterback commitment Landon Duckworth of Jackson, AL is not going to back out on the Gamecocks as a result of the firing of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Mike Shula.
“I feel like this is where I belong,” Duckworth, a four-star recruit, told Hayes Fawcett of On3 Sports on Wednesday night.
That’s big for the Gamecocks because Duckworth could be the heir apparent to LaNorris Sellers. This season, he has thrown for 1583 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 267 yards and six touchdowns.
Duckworth originally committed to the Gamecocks in August of 2023. He decommitted in June of 2024 and committed for a second time on July 18th. Auburn was among his finalists the second time around and was his only other official visit besides USC. The Tigers will still be worth watching as they no doubt will make a run at Duckworth once their new staff is in place.
Duckworth ranks as the No. 7 quarterback and No. 83 overall recruit in the 247Sports composite rankings (which factor in multiple websites) for 2026.
RB recruit reacts to offensive coordinator change
The news with committed running back Amari Thomas of Blountstown, FL is still good for the Gamecocks, but they are still going to have to sweat this one out until the December signing day.
“I’m committed,” Thomas said Wednesday night, adding that he has talked with USC head coach Shane Beamer this week about the firing of Shula. “He told me they had like a roadblock. Just have some trust. It’s a process. It’s a business, so things like that are going to happen.”
Thomas ranks as a four-star recruit and the No. 24 running back and No. 358 recruit nationally, per the 247Sports composite. He said he wasn’t happy about Beamer’s decision to fire Shula after less than one season on the job.
“ I saw the news when they first released it. I didn’t believe that that was going to be him,” Thomas said. “There’s been a lot going on up there. I’m not in shambles, but he was one of the main reasons I was going to South Carolina because he had come to my practice and spoken with my mom. It’s kind of different.”
Thomas has only been to games this season at USC and Florida State. His original commitment, made in late January, was to the Seminoles. He decommitted in July and committed to the Gamecocks less than a month later. Nonetheless, the Seminoles have remained an option.
“Them being only an hour away from home, it’s what you expect,” he said. “I know everybody inside that building is good people. I know them like I grew up with them. Like I said in the beginning, I’m never going to turn anybody about that’s recruiting me. Everybody deserves a chance. That’s really what it is.”
Georgia Tech can also be added to the mix now. Thomas said the Yellow Jackets have been recruiting him, and he might work in a visit there if he can. Right now, he plans to attend the Clemson at USC game on Nov. 29, and he might get back to Florida State for another game.
But, at this point, the battle is between USC and Florida State, with Thomas saying his commitment level tot the Gamecocks sits at a seven out of 10.
“It really all just depends on what really happens with both of the teams,” Thomas said. “They are both having tough times. Both programs are good, they are just having some shoes to fill in. I know I can go in either rooms of both teams and make a difference, being a good player or a player that’s going to impact the team with a lot of motivation.”
USC running backs coach Marquel Blackwell, who Thomas is fond of, visited him for his homecoming game during the Gamecocks’ first open week. Thomas said he’s not aware of any coaches planning to visit this week because his team has a bye for the first round of the playoffs.
Thomas said he will sign in December and enroll in January.
This season, Thomas has rushed for 1406 yards and 19 touchdowns. He is averaging 18 yards per carry.
