Instate prospect Chris Smith holds firm to USC commitment

South Pointe defensive back Chris Smith remains fully committed to South Carolina, and vice versa.

Smith (5-10, 170) said he heard from new coach Will Muschamp this week and got positive feedback on his high school film and his future as a Gamecock. Smith intends to be an early enrollee at USC.

The Gamecocks are recruiting Smith’s defensive back teammate Nick McCloud but have not offered.

South Pointe practiced Thursday at the Gamecocks’ outdoor fields in preparation for Saturday’s Class 3A state championship game against Midland Valley. That game takes place at 3 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium.

▪  Wide receiver Dre Massey of Holmes Community College (Mississippi) and Mauldin said Thursday afternoon he will not visit USC this weekend and is sticking with his commitment to Florida. Massey met with Gamecocks recruiter Bobby Bentley this week and was contacted via social media and text by former USC star running back Marcus Lattimore.

▪  Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst met with USC running back commitment C.J. Freeman of Greensboro, N.C., Thursday morning. Freeman is expected to visit with USC coach Will Muschamp later on Thursday and will take his official visit to USC this weekend.

▪  USC’s Shawn Elliott met Thursday with offensive line commitments Pete Leota of Asheville, N.C., and Will Putnam of Harrisburg, N.C. Both have held firm to their commitments.

▪  Class of 2018 defensive end Xavier Thomas of Wilson says he has no current favorites and is open. He doesn't plan to name a top three until his senior season. Some of his early offers are Clemson, USC, Florida State and North Carolina.