Gamecocks target under-the-radar instate lineman

Offensive lineman Summie Carlay of Laurens was not all that well-known in recruiting circles until last Saturday.

That’s when USC coach Will Muschamp gave him his first major offer.

Carlay (6-5, 280) was a tight end who played on the offensive line for the first time as a junior. After reviewing his film, Muschamp and offensive line coach Shawn Elliott concluded that he’s SEC material.

“It was great to get down to Columbia and meet with Coach Muschamp and Coach Elliott,” Carlay said. “Both are really intense, yet approachable and easy to talk to. I’m really excited about the offer. My coaches have worked hard to develop me at the position and to help me out on weight. Coach Muschamp said the staff really liked my film, liked my nastiness and discipline and the effort I showed in the weight room. I weighed in at 280 pounds on Saturday.”

Carlay obviously is an unfinished product as an offensive lineman, but he’s got this offseason and his senior season to continue learn the nuances of the position. And he said Muschamp would love the opportunity to have him in the program to further develop his skills.

“He said I would be on the O-line and felt like I would be a good fit for the kind of program he is trying to build at Carolina,” Carlay said. “Character is important to him and he likes my performance in the classroom.”

Carlay also has an offer from Coastal Carolina. He doesn’t have any other visit planned at this point.

This story was originally published February 17, 2016 at 10:49 AM.