Peach State defender visiting USC with commitment possible | The State

One of the top defensive players in Georgia has been one of the most overlooked, except by South Carolina.

Defensive end Mykelle McDaniel of powerhouse Grayson High School in Loganville, Ga., is considered by his coach to be, on all accounts, an outstanding defensive prospect. He had 60 tackles and 5.5 sacks as a senior.

McDaniel has long favored the Gamecocks and this weekend, according to his mother, he might consummate the deal with Will Muschamp. The Gamecocks were in to see McDaniel last week.

“He is very much interested in them,” said McDaniel’s mother, Shawnte-Amoure Simmons. “He wants to be the one to let that (a commitment) out, but I’ll just say South Carolina is very possible. They have been his top choice for awhile.”

McDaniel has visited USC for a game in the past and for an unofficial visit. He’s also been to Clemson, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi State and Maryland unofficially. His offer list includes Georgia, Alabama, Nebraska, Oregon, Stanford, Notre Dame and Southern Cal, among others.

He has not taken any official visits yet but his mother said he could be taking a mid-week visit to Mississippi State this week before coming to USC.

“It’s very possible he will commit this weekend,” Ms. Simmons said.

Jordan Woods set to visit

Defensive end Jordan Woods of Citra, Fla., was scheduled to visit West Virginia over the weekend, but the visit was canceled.

He is scheduled to visit USC this coming weekend and he’s expecting to make the trip. USC has been by his school to see him and he has talked with Will Muschamp on the phone. Woods is down to USC, Georgia Tech and South Florida.

He’s expecting an in-home visit from USF Tuesday and one from Georgia Tech Thursday. He’ll make his decision soon after his USC visit this weekend.

Tyreic Martin still looking

Defensive end Tyreic Martin of Valley, Ala., took an official visit to Jacksonville State over the weekend. He has been to USC and will visit Miami this weekend.

Martin said USC has been keeping in touch over the phone. No USC coaches have been down to see him, but they might come this week. He said USC has told him he’s still wanted and he’s still interested.

Miami coach Mark Richt was to be in Martin’s home Monday night. He doesn’t have a favorite and could have a decision the Monday after the Miami visit.

RB target poised for USC visit

Running back Justin Crawford of Northwest Mississippi Community College took an official visit to Missouri over the weekend.

“It went well,” he said. “I liked the coaches and the facilities. There’s a starting opportunity for me there.”

Crawford is scheduled to visit USC this weekend and said that visit is still on at this time. He is not expecting to sign on signing day and is looking at later visits to Miami and West Virginia. The running backs coach from West Virginia is to visit him this week.

News and notes

▪  Defensive end Jacoby Hill of Atlanta on Monday was uncertain about his planned USC visit this weekend. He said he hasn’t heard back from USC and that the Gamecocks have loaded up at his position. He has been to Memphis and Indiana.

▪  Defensive lineman Stephon Taylor of New Orleans confirmed Monday his plans to take an official visit to USC this weekend. He’s been to Texas and Florida State.