Recruiting notebook: Former signee Kalan Ritchie still expects to join USC

According to Georgia Military College coach Bert Williams, he is expecting his defensive end Kalan Ritchie to re-sign with South Carolina in February.

Ritchie signed with the Gamecocks out of Goose Creek High School in 2014 and played the last two seasons at Georgia Military. Williams said he has been in touch with the new USC staff about Ritchie.

"I have had no discussion with USC that involves them not taking Kalan," the coach said. "He is set to graduate in March and plans are for him to go to USC."

South Carolina also has offensive lineman Akeem Cooperwood coming from GMC.

Defensive back Daniel Thomas of Mobile, Ala., has set an official visit to USC for Jan. 29.

He's also set with Middle Tennessee on Jan. 16 and also wants to visit Georgia Tech and Maryland. He talked Sunday with USC recruiter Travaris Robinson.

"He was just checking in on me to see how I'm doing. He said they really wanted me and want me as part of the program."

The Gamecocks are recruiting Thomas as a safety. He said he's looking the hardest at USC but doesn't call the Gamecocks his favorite. He's also hearing from Florida, Michigan and Louisville. Thomas said he'd like to wait until national signing day to announce but might have to do it earlier to secure a spot at his school.

Wide receiver Sam Bruce of Miami, Fla., has scheduled an official visit to South Carolina for Jan. 15. He's a Miami commitment. He's going to Florida on Jan. 22 and Miami on Jan 29.

On Tuesday, South Carolina offered 2017 defensive end Jake Lawler of Charlotte.

Shrine Bowl defensive back K.J. Chamberlain of Emerald, an Appalachian State commitment, heard from USC about two weeks ago after Will Muschamp took over.

The Gamecocks were checking to see if he were still interested in them and if he's graduating early. The answers were yes and no.

"They told me they had two more safety spots left. They didn't say anything about an offer. I'm still open right now. I'm just being patient and letting things come to me, and if it comes, it comes. It would mean a lot. My family loves Carolina."

He has an official visit to Appalachian set for Jan. 23. Chamberlain had eight interceptions this season giving him 22 over the past two seasons.

WR Cavin Ridley of Deerfield Beach, Fla., who took an official visit to USC earlier this month, said he's not heard that much from the Gamecocks since the visit.

"They call me sometimes," he said.

Ridley is an early graduate and is not sure when he'll make his decision. He's choosing between USC, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia and has heard from all four. He said there is no leader and when he decides he'll put the word on Twitter.

Tight end Kyle Oliver of Jones Junior College in Mississippi, who took an unofficial visit to USC earlier this month, still has not been offered by the Gamecocks and is not expecting one at this point.

"They said they have their eyes on some others because they found out about me late." Jones said.

Jones, who is a mid-year transfer, said he's looking at Oklahoma State, Central Florida, West Virginia, Missouri, Vanderbilt, Jacksonville State and Middle Tennessee.