USC recruiting roundup: Playing time key for O-line target

Offensive lineman Branton Autry of Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College is a big USC target in more ways than just his 6-foot-4, 320-pound physical presence.

The Gamecocks are thin in quality offensive linemen and will lose three senior linemen, all of whom could be starters, after this season. That opens a window of opportunity for incoming linemen, and that’s exactly what Autry is looking for in his next school … opportunity.

“Playing time is all I’m looking at,” Autry said. “That’s all I need to know is about playing time.”

Autry plans to take all five of his official visits but only knows of one at this point. That will be to USC, and it could come in June.

Autry discussed that very subject with Gamecock offensive line coach Shawn Elliott on Sunday.

“He said they are really excited about me coming down for a visit,” Autry said.

USC sits firmly in Autry’s top ten. The others are Arkansas, Florida, Ole Miss, Baylor, Missouri, Arizona State, Louisville, Iowa State and Oklahoma.

Autry is home in Mobile, Ala., for summer break and won’t return to school until August. He’s planning to make his decision around Aug. 15.

He will graduate in December and have three years to play two.

▪ Defensive back Chris Smith of South Pointe was offered by James Madison. He also has offers from USC, Old Dominion, Mercer, Furman, Coastal Carolina, Campbell, Gardner-Webb, Miami of Ohio and Air Force. He plans to visit USC in a couple weeks and could commit to the Gamecocks then.

▪ USC offered defensive back JJ Givens of Mechanicsville, Va.

▪ USC offered 2017 athlete Deejay Dallas of Brunswick, Ga.

▪ USC offered 2019 linebacker/defensive end Owen Pappoe of Grayson, Ga.