USC and Clemson expect a big recruiting weekend.
Friday figures to be an exciting day for recruiting in the Palmetto State. Two Clemson targets will announce decisions and USC will have many of its top targets on campus for a pool party at the Strom Thurmond Wellness Center.
Offensive lineman Bryce Mathews of Brentwood, TN committed to Ole Miss Friday morning. He chose them over Clemson and Tennessee.
At 2 p.m., defensive end Xavier Kelly of Wichita will announce his decision on a live video stream at this link. He visited Clemson for the cookout last Friday then was at Dawg Night at Georgia the next next. He also considered Alabama, Florida State, Michigan, Kansas State, Oregon and TCU. Internet speculation has been favoring Clemson.
Some Thursday night notes leading up to USC's pool party and Saturday camp:
Defense back Chris Smith of South Pointe will be at USC Friday and tells us there's a 95% chance he will commit. That's up from 85% earlier in the week.
Linebacker Donta Evans of Lawrenceville, GA will attend USC's pool party Friday. He's looking for a Gamecock offer. Right now his top list is Kentucky, Ole Miss, Louisville, Auburn, Missouri and Arkansas. He is set to announce August 2nd.
Wide receiver Kelvin Harmon of Palmyra, NJ is coming to USC Friday. He once again said he will not make a decision/commitment on the visit. He plans to announce his commitment October 1st. North Carolina, West Virginia, Temple, NC State and Rutgers also are on his short list.
JUCO offensive lineman Ashton Julious of Florence said Thursday he will be at USC's pool party on Friday.
Defensive lineman Nyles Pinckney of Whale Branch visited Clemson again Wednesday after being there Friday for the cookout. He confirmed he will be at USC Friday and said he has no favorite. He's still considering Georgia and Georgia Tech as well.
Running back Elijah Holyfield of Atlanta announced a final five of USC, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Auburn with no leader. He will make his announcement on Sept. 4. He's not planning any more visits between now and then.
2017 Offensive lineman Isaiah Wilson of Brooklyn visited Clemson Thursday and will be at USC Friday.
2017 Defensive lineman Yetur Matos of Fredericksburg, VA visited Clemson Thursday and will be on campus there Friday as well.