Instate OL John Simpson might pop in and visit Gamecocks

Offensive lineman John Simpson of Fort Dorchester has not visited South Carolina this month, and with a two week dead period starting Monday, he’s thinking about paying a visit to the Gamecocks this week.

Simpson said he’s been in touch through social media with Gamecocks recruiters Everette Sands and Shawn Elliott, and they would like him to come in before the dead period.

Simpson camped at Clemson and Alabama earlier this month for three days each but was not able to make it to USC’s camp the next weekend. He might return to Clemson for the All-In Cookout in July. He also wants to visit LSU and Tennessee this summer.

Following the Clemson camp, Simpson had the Tigers at the top of his list with Alabama second and USC third. Nothing has really changed with that.

“Clemson is at the top right now but I haven’t visited everyone,” Simpson said. “Once I go back to Carolina, you never know, it might change how I feel about it.”

Right now Simpson is planning to wait until the U.S. Army All-American Bowl to make his announcement, but he’s not sure he will hold off that long.

Simpson has been going to camps not just for the recruiting aspect. He’s been trying to improve his overall game and he feels he’ll come out of this summer a better football player.

“My footwork has gotten way better,” he said. “My hand placement and things of that nature. Being able to bend. I’ve been trying to work on my hips.”

Simpson has not added any new offers in recent weeks. Some of his other offers are Georgia, Florida, Louisville and Mississippi State.

▪  Linebacker Kash Daniel of Paintsville, Ky., on Tuesday night reaffirmed his top three at this point as USC, Kentucky and Louisville, in no order. Daniel has had those three programs at the top of his list for several weeks. He will announce a decision July 4.

▪  USC did not make the cut with TE Thaddeus Moss of Charlotte, son of former NFL standout Randy Moss. His final eight are West Virginia, Oregon, UCLA, Georgia, Miami, Arizona State, NC State and Alabama.