South Carolina keeps close watch on in-state tailback target

Running back Michel Dukes of First Baptist Church School in Charleston was visited this week by Tony Elliott of Clemson, Bobby Bentley of South Carolina and a recruiter from Duke.

Dukes (5-10, 191) does not have plans for a visit this weekend, though he plans to attend future junior days at USC, Clemson, Virginia Tech Georgia and Coastal Carolina.

Dukes has offers from USC, Wake Forest, Indiana, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Arkansas, Georgia State and Old Dominion.

“All the schools are about the same with me,” Dukes said. “Coach Bentley said he liked my instinct, vision and speed and they would love to have me at Carolina. Coach Bentley is always asking about my family. He keeps in touch with me a lot. Some of my friends go there and I think the coaching staff is great. I love the facilities and I have a good relationship with the coaches that I know. I think what they are trying to do is really good on offense. If I were to go there, I’d have a really good career. The offense fits my running style.”

Clemson has yet to offer but Dukes said that’s not a concern for him with the Tigers at this point.

“They are telling me to be patient. Clemson is always patient with who they offer and they will keep an eye on me,” he said. “Coach Elliott said I’m one of their top prospects for the 2019 class.”

Dukes said there are no favorites at this point and he’s not sure when he’ll sign. He said he will not be an early signee.

Last season Dukes rushed for 2,100 yards and 34 touchdowns. As a sophomore he rushed for 2,241 yards and 40 touchdowns.

Notes

▪  USC’s scheduled official visits for this weekend (subject to change): DE target Dennis Briggs and commits WR Josh Vann, WR Ronnie Jamison and WR Tyquan Johnson

▪  Visits for other USC targets: DL John Mincey to Tennessee; OL Dylan Wonnum to Tennessee; DL Rick Sandidge to North Carolina; WR Warren Thompson to North Carolina; DB DJ Brown to Cal.

▪  USC will host juniors QB Garrett Shrader and DE Curtis Fann.

This story was originally published January 19, 2018 at 3:01 PM with the headline "South Carolina keeps close watch on in-state tailback target."