‘Dream school’ offer finally comes from South Carolina for in-state receiver

Growing up in Rock Hill, South Pointe wide receiver O’Mega Blake (6-foot-2, 188 pounds) rooted for South Carolina, and as has developed into a three-star prospect, he coveted an offer from the Gamecocks. Plenty of other schools offered Blake over the last few months, and Monday he got his wish as he was informed by Will Muschamp that he has an offer from the Gamecocks.

“It’s the team I always liked growing up as a little kid,” Blake said. “That was my dream school. I’ve known it (the offer) was coming. It really releases the stress. The main thing was to continue to build that relationship. I’ve talked to Coach Muschamp and he said he loves me on both sides of the ball. He said we’ve got to keep the talent in state. They would use me at every spot at receiver. And they like the way I make plays, aggressive with the ball and attacking and things like that.”

The Gamecocks have a little extra connection with Blake. His coach at South Pointe is former Gamecock star linebacker DeVonte Holloman, so naturally he can share some insight into the campus and the school. What has heard from Holloman about his alma mater?

“Great atmosphere, great coaching staff, and he just wants to see me perform at the next level and do great, and be great,” Blake said.

Blake recently named a top 15 that did not include the Gamecocks. On that list are Syracuse, Virginia, Penn State, Michigan State, NC State, Tennessee, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, East Carolina, Texas Tech, Kansas State, Pitt, UNLV and Virginia Tech.

Now that he has their offer, the Gamecocks no doubt are a major factor, though Blake doesn’t want to tip his hand regarding a favorite. He’s also keeping his commitment plans close to the vest.

“It will be soon,” Blake said. “I’m trying to really let that be a surprise, too.”

Last season Blake had 50 catches for 1,019 yards and 14 touchdowns. He’s ranked the No. 13 prospect in South Carolina in the 247Sports Composite.

Notes:

▪ Defensive end Justus Boone of Sumter, who has been committed to Florida, has set official visits to Arizona State on Oct, 3 and South Carolina on Oct 10. He said he remains committed to the Gators, to whom he committed Feb. 26, but is still talking with others, including the Gamecocks on a daily basis. At this point, Boone said he’s not considering decommitting, but he is keeping his options open.

▪ Valdosta, Goeriga and South Carolina linebacker target Thomas Davis (6-3 223) decommitted from Mississippi State. Davis is rated as a three-star recruit in the 247Sports Composite. He had 47 tackles with 11 1/2 sacks and 6 1/2 tackles for loss last season. Some of his other offers are Miami, East Carolina, Indiana, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Tulane and others.

▪ Alabama offered Gaffney defensive tackle Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. Ingram-Dawkins has had a top list of USC, Tennessee, Florida State, Penn State, North Carolina and Georgia. He has set June 26 for his commitment date.

▪ Former 7-foot-1 Gamecocks center Jason Cudd signed with Newberry. He played one season with the Gamecocks and played last season at Olney JC in Illinois. The Wolves also signed 6-foot-2 guard Ma’Lik Joseph of Southside Central and 6-foot-6 wing Darin Parker of Aiken.

▪ South Carolina running backs target Trevion Cooley of Knightdale, North Carolina committed to Louisville.

This story was originally published June 9, 2020 at 10:21 AM.