Gamecocks play-maker target pushes back his commitment

South Carolina wide receiver target Malachi Bennett of Fairfield, Alabama was set to announce his college decision Friday. But Monday he announced he will delay his decision a little longer.

The Gamecocks and Ole Miss have been two the strongest with him. He also has Georgia, Louisville and UAB on his short list.

Bennett, the nephew of former Vanderbilt star receiver Earl Bennett, has said he and Gamecock recruiter and receivers coach Joe Cox have developed a strong relationship. He has scheduled an official visit to USC for Oct. 10.

Notes:

▪ The Gamecocks made the short list of five with defensive end Zyun Reeves (6-foot-7, 245 pounds) of Kernersville, North Carolina. The others on the short list are NC State, Michigan State, Florida State and Virginia. Reeves has said he and USC defensive line coach Tracy Rocker have developed a strong relationship and he will take one of his official visits with the Gamecocks.

▪ USC defensive line target Marlin Dean of Ellenwood, Georgia, who decommitted from Georgia over the weekend, was offered by Indiana.

▪ The Gamecokcs offered 2022 defensive tackle Christen Miller (6-5 285) of Ellenwood, Georgia. He’s rated a 4-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite and the No. 15 defensive tackle in the 2022 class nationally. Some of his other offers are Georgia, Virginia Tech, LSU, Auburn, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Nebraska, Tennessee, Florida State, Florida, Arkansas and Kentucky.