Gamecocks in touch with Columbia-area lineman now in junior college
Ta’Chawn Brooks, an offensive tackle formerly of Dutch Fork and now at Independence Community College (Kansas), arrived at the junior college earlier this month with the knowledge he’ll only need to spend one season there.
He got his NCAA eligibility late, so he enrolled in junior college but can be finished there and eligible to transfer up in December.
“Since I’m a December graduate, I have a choice to make,” Brooks said. “If I want to stay another year and get bigger, faster, stronger or keep lifting now and if I get the offer I want or like, commit and then leave. Since I was in high school, I had a lot of college contacts and connections, but they couldn’t offer me because I wasn’t eligible. Now that I am, it gives them options.”
Brooks said he remains in touch with South Carolina offensive line coach Eric Wolford. He’s also in contact with Kentucky, Virginia Tech, Florida State and Murray State.
Notes:
Gainesville, Georgia offensive tackle Cedrick Nicely (6-foot-5, 305 pounds) said he communicates daily with South Carolina offensive line coach Eric Wolford. He also hears daily from Georgia Tech and South Florida. Nicely said he’s still not close on his decision and likely will wait until his season for a commitment. Nicely said Wolford’s message to him has been, “He thinks it’s a good fit for me up there and he knows how to get players in the NFL. I’m feeling a strong bond with them.” He also feels strongly about Georgia Tech.
▪ The Gamecocks delivered the latest offer for 2022 offensive lineman Collin Sadler (6-foot-5, 295 pounds) of Greenville. Sadler was offered earlier this month by Clemson. His other offers include Arizona State, Georgia, Notre Dame, LSU, Northwestern, Pitt, Duke, East Carolina, Penn State, Virginia, Michigan, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, Oregon, West Virginia and Miami.
▪ USC offered Colonial Heights, Virginia 2022 offensive guard Desaun Williams (6-foot-4, 290 pounds). He’s been given a three-star rating by 247Sports and is ranked as the No. 20 offensive guard prospect nationally in his class. His offers also include Boston College, Baylor, East Carolina, Maryland and Pitt.
▪ South Carolina offered 2022 offensive guard Arquis Ward (6-4 270) of Auburndale, Florida. He does not yet have a rating or ranking by 247Sports. He also has an offer from Cincinnati.
▪ The Gamecocks offered 2022 offensive tackle Anez Cooper (6-foot-4, 330 pounds) of Pleasant Grove, Alabama. He has not been rated or ranked by 247Sports. He also has offers from Georgia Tech, Northern Arizona and FAU.
▪ South Carolina defensive end target Kelvin Gilliam of Highland Springs, Virginia has set Aug. 22 for his commitment announcement. He has a short list of USC, Oklahoma, Penn State, Minnesota, Texas, Florida, Virginia Tech, LSU, Cal and Kentucky.
▪ The Gamecocks made the top five with tight end Jalen Shead of Olive Branch, MS. The others are Alabama, Florida State, LSU and Ole Miss.
This story was originally published July 18, 2020 at 7:00 AM.