Gamecocks trending with West Florence safety recruit Kelvin Hunter

West Florence safety Kelvin Hunter is a top-flight, in-state prospect to watch this year.

His junior season in 2022 included 102 tackles, six pass breakups and one interception. His recruiting is picking up, with offers from South Carolina, Michigan, Kentucky, Virginia Tech, Coastal Carolina, Appalachian State, Liberty and others

Hunter (6-1, 185) was one of the prospects in attendance at the USC junior day Jan. 21. He talked a lot of football with Shane Beamer and secondary coach Torrian Gray, but also gained insight on the bigger picture of life outside of football.

“I learned about academics and player development, and what they are doing with the upcoming class,” Hunter said. “Everybody in that class cares a bunch about their academics and not just the football aspect, so they can do more in the future if football doesn’t work out.”

He also received some words of wisdom from the Gamecocks’ 2021 All-American safety Jaylan Foster, who worked with the defensive staff last season.

“He was telling me how it is there on a day-to-day basis, and how it feels to play for the home state and stuff like that,” Hunter said.

The coaches also pointed out to Hunter the success of their two freshman safeties last season, Nick Emmanwori and DQ Smith. Both are from in-state schools and both became starters right away.

“That’s honestly a great thing for me,” Hunter said. “They obviously talked about that to me. They said if I was to go there, I’d probably have a chance to play when I first get there and hopefully become an All-American.”

USC was already in a good spot with Hunter before the January visit, and their positioning with him was only strengthened with that visit.

“It does a lot, you know,” Hunter said. “They have a big spot in my recruiting right now with that visit. My top three right now would have to be South Carolina, Michigan and Virginia Tech.”

USC was the only January visit for Hunter. He said he plans to visit Michigan and Virginia Tech this spring. He’s also considering a visit to Kentucky, and he plans a return trip to USC.