South Carolina football: Keon Coleman decommits from Kansas

South Carolina football hopes to land commitment from top WR.

South Carolina is in the midst of its 2020 football season, which hasn’t gotten off to the start that Will Muschamp had envisioned. Even with the season in full swing, the staff must remain diligent on the recruiting trail. And it’s obvious that the Gamecocks need some help, particularly at wide receiver, after watching the first two games.

South Carolina may get some help from a four-star pass catcher from the state of Louisiana. Keon Coleman decided to retract his pledge to the University of Kansas yesterday as the high school senior looks to reopen the recruiting process in his final season.

Coleman had been committed to the Jayhawks since early July, but news of his announcement will bring suitors from across the county back into his recruitment. One of those suitors is sure to be South Carolina, who finished in the receiver’s top three schools. His other finalist was Oklahoma.

The Gamecocks need talent at the position, as only Shi Smith has been able to make an impact thus far in the season. South Carolina wideouts have hauled in 30 passes so far. Smith has been the recipient of 22 of those.

The staff was able to nab three four-star pass catchers in last year’s class. One of those, Rico Powers, recorded his first catch in the game against Florida. Expect all of the young players to start seeing more action as the Gamecocks continue to evaluate who gives them the best production on the field.

Early playing time could certainly be a selling point for Coleman, and Will Muschamp will give his best pitch to get the wideout to Columbia.

Coleman is ranked by 247Sports as the 115th best player in the country regardless of position, as well as the nation’s 14th best wide receiver. If he committed today, Coleman would become the highest rated player in the class, edging out linebacker commit Trenilyas Tatum.

Here’s what analyst Gabe Brooks had to say about Coleman.

"Owns terrific frame for elite wideout prospect. Tall and long with a ton of frame space to add bulk. Dynamic, explosive athlete who competes in football, basketball, and track and field. Division I-caliber prospect in football and basketball. Electric leaper. Produces highlight reel dunks on the hardwood and impressive ball-winning plays on the gridiron. Big-play machine who scored 22 TD’s on 35 catches and 32.7 yards per catch as a junior. Also dominant at DB with seven INT’s. Not only explosive but shows encouraging dexterity as an athlete. Long-striding speed-builder who stretches the field vertically. Plays fast enough but can get faster in his long speed. Will face significant jump in competition going from small-school ball to high-major level. Raw technically in footwork and route-running. Basketball nimbleness does not always translate to field. Regardless, elite athlete with very promising overall profile. Power 5-caliber recruit who possesses a high ceiling with long-term potential to reach the NFL Draft."

Coleman could be looking for an opportunity to play both football and basketball at the collegiate level, which may influence his school of choice. We’ll keep an eye on his recruitment moving forward.