Recruit isn’t sure which schools are gaining separation, but Gamecocks are in the mix

Cumming, Georgia offensive lineman Dylan Fairchild is into his wrestling season this month. Soon he will be wrestling with his college decision. Thus far it’s been difficult for Fairchild to pin down an absolute leader. South Carolina has some of the other contenders on the rope, but Fairchild isn’t ready to raise Will Muschamp’s arm in victory.

“The relationship with me and Coach (Eric) Wolford and Coach Muschamp and some of the other assistant coaches has been growing since they offered me,” Fairchild said. “It’s been a pretty consistent communication from day one and I’m really liking them. Me and Coach Wolford have a great relationship. He texts me three or four times a week and he’ll call me and we’ll chat a little. And Coach Muschamp will text me twice a week.”

Fairchild visited USC for a game last season and for a junior day in January.

“I like the campus a lot and I really like the dorms,” Fairchild said. “I’ve always really liked South Carolina. It’s one of my final schools.”

Auburn also is high up on Fairchild’s list and is one of his top two with the Gamecocks. Penn State and North Carolina recently offered and are making a move as well.

“Some days I wake up and I like Penn State, North Carolina, South Carolina or Auburn,” Fairchild said. “I don’t know (what will separate one school). Probably coaching and wherever I feel most comfortable.”

Fairchild said he’ll attend some evaluation camps in March, and he plans to take some official visits in April and May. He’s not determined all his official visits though Penn State is likely due to distance. USC, Auburn, North Carolina and Virginia are others he wants to visit.

Fairchild said he will not rush a decision. He will sign early but will not be an early graduate.

Notes:

▪ Clemson and USC defensive back target Jordan Hancock of Suwanee, Georgia was offered by LSU.

▪ Gamecocks tight end target Jordan Dingle of Bowling Green, Kentucky was offered by Northwestern.

▪ Gaffney defensive line Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins was offered by Georgia Tech.

▪ Cornelius, North Carolina running back Evan Pryor named a final six of Oklahoma, Ohio State, Penn State, Southern Cal, Georgia and North Carolina. He also had a Gamecocks offer.

▪ South Carolina offered offered Khristian Zachery (6-foot-3, 245 pounds) of Carrollton, Georgia. Georgia, Oklahoma, Georgia Tech and Florida are some other offers.

▪ USC offered wide receiver Christian Leary of Orlando.

▪ Ontario quarterback Christian Veilleux was offered by UCLA. He has a USC offer and has interest from Clemson.

▪ Gamecocks running back target Thaddius Franklin of Miami committed to Miami for a second time. He decommitted in December. He visited USC in January.

▪ Monroe, North Carolina wide receiver Gavin Blackwell committed to North Carolina. He also had a South Carolina offer.