USC gains ground on instate standouts Simpson, Pinckney

South Carolina made a positive impression at its pool bash on two top instate prospects for the Class of 2016.

Offensive lineman Simpson of Fort Dorchester said he had a “pretty good time” hanging out with offensive line coach Shawn Elliott and freshman offensive lineman Zack Bailey.

“He just loves how Coach Elliott treats him,” Simpson said.

Simpson has visited all of his favorites except for LSU, and he still wants to visit there. He said it’s all even with his seven: USC, Clemson, LSU, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Florida.

“I like South Carolina so much because they have my major (business) and one of the best line coaches that I know,” he said.

Simpson said he now plans to wait until the U.S. Army All-American Game in January before making a decision. He does plan to take official visits in the fall.

▪  Defensive lineman Nyles Pinckney of Whale Branch remains all even with USC and Clemson along with Georgia and Georgia Tech after his visit to Columbia on Friday.

He has set Aug. 20 for a decision date, which is the day before the high school season begins. Pinckney said he enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere of the event.

“Just having a casual visit and them getting to know me as a player and also seeing some of their commits and seeing they’re moving in a good direction,” he said.

Pinckney said he has no other visits planned before making his decision.