Gamecocks making a run at Arkansas commitment

One of the early offers sent out by Will Muschamp after taking over at South Carolina was to wide receiver Kiel Pollard of Moultrie, Ga., who currently is committed to Arkansas.

Pollard (6-1, 228) was a major reason his team won two straight Class 6A state championships and finished this season ranked No. 2 in the USA Today Super 25. He had 76 catches for 1,163 yards and 18 touchdowns. He was named the 6A offensive player of the year in Georgia.

“I think I’m going to take a look at it, take a look into it and see what happens,” Pollard said of the USC offer. He has taken an official visit to Arkansas. He’s also looking at USC for an official visit.

Pollard said he’s also been in touch with Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and Auburn. He’s been communicating with Gamecocks running backs coach Bobby Bentley.

“He told me that Coach Muschamp really liked me and he told me to come down there and compete,” Pollard said.

Pollard called his commitment strength to Arkansas right now at about 99 percent.

News and notes

▪  Defensive end Mykelle McDaniel of Loganville, Ga., has a top five of USC, Tennessee, Mississippi State, Florida and Maryland, in no order. McDaniel called USC his No. 1 in late November, right before an on-campus visit, but that was before Muschamp was hired.

▪  Former USC defensive back commitment J.J. Givens has set official visit to Maryland for Jan. 29. He’s also expected to visit USC and is looking at Arizona State and Ole Miss for other visits. North Carolina has also become a factor.

▪  USC offered North Carolina receiver commitment Korey Banks of Tyrone, Ga., and he plans to visit Jan. 22. Alabama and Tennessee also offered him this week.