With decision date set, Atlanta tackle likes what he’s hearing from Gamecocks

Three-star offensive tackle Jakiah Leftwich of Atlanta has been a target of South Carolina offensive line coach Eric Wolford for months. Will Muschamp offered the Class of 2021 recruit in late November after a visit to his school during the open week, and since then Wolford has kept up his interest.

Leftwich (6-6, 302) has set July 19 for his announcement, and it would shock few if he picks the Gamecocks.

“Every day, they text me every day,” Leftwich said. “They’re saying they want me there, stuff like that. Telling me about playing time. The SEC is the highest division, the biggest division. And with them, the NFL stuff.”

Leftwich said the work Wolford and the Gamecocks have invested in recruiting him is paying off. He’s not calling any favorites but USC is definitely in a plus position.

“I love where they are standing right now in my recruiting,” Leftwich said. “I really like coach Wolford. He’s big on the development of his players and sending players to the NFL. I can be a great tackle there if I do choose to go.”

Leftwich said he’s also hearing a lot from Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, Indiana and Tennessee. Along with USC, he was able to visit Georgia, Georgia Tech, Florida State and Tennessee before visits were stopped because of the coronavirus outbreak. He said three of his official visits will be to USC, Mississippi State and Tennessee.

Georgia has not offered Leftwich at this point, but the Bulldogs got his most recent visit March 6, and he’s confident new offensive line coach Matt Luke will come through with an offer. West Virginia, Syracuse and TCU are his most recent offers.